Community Services Programme
Pobal 2008 Call for Applications now closed
About the Community Services Programme: The Community Services Programme supports community businesses and social enterprises to deliver local services and employment opportunities for particularly disadvantaged groups in society. Over 325 community organisations across Ireland are already funded under the programme, delivering services to many thousands of people and providing employment (full and part-time) to over 1,660 people.
The programme is funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs under the National Development Plan 2007 – 2016 with the overall purpose to:-
- Alleviate disadvantage in those communities
- Promote social and economic development within the communities
- Provide employment for those most distant from the labour market
- Promote the sustainable and inclusive development of the communities
- Strengthen local ownership through participation in decision-making.
Within this broader purpose, CSP funding is focused on certain priority activities and disadvantaged sections of the population. Each call for applications and expressions of interest specifies the types of communities and services which can be considered for support.
It is not possible to apply directly to Pobal for a Community Services programme grant. Applications and expressions of interest are submitted through integrated local development bodies such as DLDC.
CSP funding is typically awarded for a period of three years on the basis of applicants’ business plan.
The programme makes available a range of supports, information and toolkits for funded groups, including a manual on Pobal financial reporting and drawdown procedures.
