Applications open for almost €6m ‘RTÉ Does Comic Relief’ fund
Charities supporting vulnerable people during Covid-19 urged to apply
The Community Foundation for Ireland begins administering funds
Statement by The Community Foundation for Ireland
Charities supporting vulnerable people during the Covid-19 pandemic can apply from today (Tuesday 4th August 2020) to get support from almost €6m raised during RTÉ Does Comic Relief.
The Community Foundation for Ireland is opening the application process for not for profit organisations of all sizes which are meeting the challenges caused by Covid on the ground.
The foundation is also hosting an information webinar, a recording of which will be accessible online to inform applicants throughout the process.
Announcing the commencement of applications Denise Charlton, Chief Executive Officer of The Community Foundation for Ireland, said:
“RTÉ Does Comic Relief was not only a unique night on Irish broadcasting, it also brought us together as a country as one to support people hardest hit by the impact of the pandemic. We have seen extraordinary generosity from 1.4m viewers, corporate supporters as well as significant matching support from Government.
The success of the event and the flow of donations which has continued since is a tribute to all who participated and gave of their time. However, while the cameras, lights and mics may have gone down the hard work continues.
The process of converting that generosity into support and actions on the ground is underway. The opening of applications is a big moment for charities who are helping vulnerable people during these difficult days and in many cases providing a vital lifeline.
Funding will be provided under two strands, which recognise that the way not for profits have had to adapt and change their work under HSE restrictions and guidelines. Groups expected to benefit will include those working with older people, people medically at risk of Covid-19, people with disabilities and those in unsuitable accommodation.
Under ‘Demand for Digital’ groups can seek support for investment in software and hardware to improve their ability to continue to work while keeping their staff, volunteers and people they support safe. An ‘Adapt and Respond’ strand will allow groups to seek funding to ensure their work remains effective and continues to deliver for those who need support.”
Deirdre O’Kane, Steering Group, Comic Relief in Ireland.
“I’m so pleased we’re now at the point of opening applications to charities and organisations, small and large. It’s another key step for the project and brings us closer again to delivering help to where it’s needed – with those most impacted by the pandemic in Ireland.”
Full details of the strands as well as other information and support is being placed on www.communityfoundation.ie.
ENDS
Contact: Jerry O’Connor 087 383 9656
Note to Editors:
About The Community Foundation for Ireland
The Community Foundation for Ireland believes in a fair, caring and vibrant Ireland for now and the future. We work with individuals, families, corporates and other trusts and foundations to translate giving in the moment to giving that is strategic and impactful. We respond to Ireland’s complex needs by building deep relationships with non-profit organisations working at the coal face. We build platforms with local communities and collaborate with the public sector. We use our knowledge to help donors translate their aspirations of giving back into effective investments of their experience and resources. We have been providing grants since 2000 and in 2019 we gave out €8.15 million to communities in Ireland abroad. We have a dedicated and committed staff; they have extensive experience of grant-making from working with over 5,000 non-profit organisations at a national, regional and local level throughout Ireland and overseas. With over 1,800 community foundations globally, the community foundation model is proven and effective model for social change.
Commencement of Applications
Following on from the incredible success of RTÉ Does Comic Relief – which 1.4 million people tuned into and helped raise almost €6 million – The Community Foundation for Ireland invites you to join a webinar which will focus on how the money raised from the event will support non-profit organisations as they respond to the challenges presented by Covid-19 and how to apply to the Comic Relief Fund. This will include helping organisations to adapt to new working conditions under the ‘demand for digital’ and ‘adapt and respond’ strands.
We are so grateful for the generosity and good will shown by viewers, corporate partners and all of the participants who helped make RTE Does Comic Relief such a success. As we begin to administer the funds, this will make a huge difference to so many worthy charities across Ireland who are helping some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.
The webinar will take place on Tuesday August 4th at 11am, the Comic Relief Fund will open for applications on the same day. It will help us answer any questions you may have about applying and make the process easier for you and for us. The webinar is free to attend and you can sign up here.
The agenda for the webinar will be as follows:
• The Community Foundation for Ireland – Who we are and what we do
• The Comic Relief Fund
• Strand 1: Demand for Digital
• Strand 2: Adapt & Respond
• How to Apply – Our Online Application Process
• Questions and Answers
Non-profit organisations of all sizes are invited to join, particularly those who support vulnerable and minority groups who have been affected by Covid-19.
