Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 20: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the reason some community organisations which are currently funded by the funding scheme to support national organisations in the community and voluntary sector were informed that they would not be recommended for further funding under this scheme; the number of organisations that will be affected and the assessment criteria used to determine whether or not organisations will receive this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15591/11]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector commenced in 2008. This scheme amalgamated and replaced schemes previously operating under the White Paper on Supporting Voluntary Activity. The Scheme aimed to provide multi-annual funding to national organisations towards core costs associated with the provision of services. In total, funding of €16 million was allocated to 64 organisations over the three year period 2008-2010. The three-year funding contracts concluded at end 2010.

A comprehensive review of the scheme was carried out by the Department of Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs in 2010. Terms of reference for the review of the scheme included an examination of the extent to which the objectives, rationale and approach of the Scheme remained valid and to make recommendations regarding the future role and scope of the Scheme.

A new Funding Scheme was advertised in December 2010 which set down new assessment criteria for applications received under the Scheme. 149 applications were received and 63 organisations were allocated funding under the Scheme of which 46 had been funded under the previous Scheme.

The criteria used to assess applications under the Scheme were as follows:

· Extent to which proposal focuses on disadvantage;

· Deliverables and impact of the Funding;

· Level of added value within sector;

· Viability, value for money and governance;

· Level of co-operation/integration/consolidation with similar/allied

organisations.