BNS Facts Sheet February 2008

Information on grants and programmes available to community groups

Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholars Trust: Scholarship Opportunities. The Bank of Ireland Millennium Scholars Trust will in 2008 increase the number of students it supports for third level study to over 100. The trust will award scholarships for second and third level students, mature candidates and other progression route candidates, who due to economic, social and other barriers such as disability, might not otherwise get the opportunity to attend third-level. Scholarship awards vary from €3,200 to €6,300 per annum, depending on individual circumstances. The closing date for applications isthe 3 rd of March 2008 for Third-Level Entry and Current Third-Level students. The closing date forCreative /Performing Arts will be is the 1 st of April 2008. For further information check out the following websites www.bankofireland.com or www.ncirl.ie or phone 01 4498500.

AIB Better Ireland Programme is now open for applications and will remain open from the 4 th to the29 th of February 2008. Groups based in Ireland which aims to help children affected by one of five areas may apply to the programme, they are: Physical/sensory disabilities, intellectual/general learning disabilities, drug/alcohol abuse. lack of access to mainstream education due to poverty, or homelessness.

Further information on the application process is available at www.aibgroup.com or contacting a member of the team at 01 6600311 extension 13645 or 14996.

Heritage Council Buildings Grant Scheme Seminar . This grant is aimed at Buildings at Risk and REPS 4 Traditional Farm Buildings. The seminar will take place on 28 th of February in the Tullamore Court Hotel, commencing at 9.00. The seminar is aimed at building owners, architects, Thatcher’s, contractors, heritage/conservation officers and those interested in the conservation of old buildings. For further information contact Amanda@heritagecouncil.com.

Historic Graveyard Grant Scheme 2008 Kilkenny County Council and Kilkenny Borough Council have prepared a scheme to assist community groups/organisations in the management and maintenance of historic graveyards and are now accepting applications for the 2008 grant scheme. Projects eligible for funding in historic graveyards include: graveyard maintenance, graveyard recording schemes, heritage studies of graveyards and management plans. A training seminar on historic graveyard management will take place in April; applicants will be required to attend the training seminar in order to qualify for grant assistance. Applications are available from the Environment Section Kilkenny County Council at 056 7794477 or Historic Graveyards Grant Scheme, Kilkenny Borough Council, 056 7794533. Closing datefor receipt ofapplications is the 29 th of February at 5.00pm.

Biodiversity Fund 2008, The Heritage Council will offer their biodiversity grants to projects which assist in the management of sites which contain habitats of special conservation importance in Ireland or which support threatened or vulnerable species. Closing date is 5.00pm on the 15 th of February 2008. Further information is avail form the The Heritage Council 056 7770777 or Amanda@heritagecouncil.com

Counselling Grants for Voluntary Organisations , the focus of this scheme is on the development of support services in the community for families to enhance stability in family life and to assist families and their members deal with difficult periods, which they may experience. Grants are available from the Family support Agency, St. Stephens Green House, Earls fort Terrace, Dublin 2 01 6114100 or familysupport.agency@welfare.ieClosing date for the receipt of applications is 22 nd of February 2008

2008 Sports Capital Programme. This scheme was advertised on the 13 th and 14 th of January and has a closing date for receipt of applications on the 29 th of February 2008. Funding can be used to improve or build an asset or buying non-personal sports equipment that can be used for at least 5 years and it can be sought by:

• Voluntary and community organisations including sports clubs.
• National governing bodies of sports and third level education institutions.
• Primary and post-primary schools, VECs and Local Authorities.

The terms and conditions for 2008 have changed in comparison to previous years and should be read carefully before any application is submitted. For further details contact 1890 273000 or sportsunit1@gov.ie or by posting a request to Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, Sports Capital Unit, Fossa, Killarney, Co. Kerry.

Grant Scheme for Conservation of Protected Structures. Kilkenny County Council administer this scheme in Kilkenny and the object of the scheme is to assist the owner or occupier of a structure which is protected because of its architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest to undertake conservation work on such a structure. Under the scheme a wide range of conservation works are eligible for grants generally to the amount of 50% of total costof the works up toa maximum of €13,000. Closing date is the 15 th of February 2008 Applications forms for this scheme can be obtained from the Planning Department Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John St., Kilkenny, or phone 056 7794010 or website www.kilkennycoco.ie

Vodafone Ireland foundation: World of Difference – Your next job could help change lives. Vodafone Ireland will choose up to four applicants with the passion, skills and ideas to make a real difference to people’s lives in Ireland, through their chosen charity. It will offer four Irish residents the once in a life time opportunity to work in a charitable organisation of their choice for one year with salary (capped at 40,000) and expenses provided exclusively by Vodafone Ireland Foundation. Closing date for receipt ofentries is 20 th of February 2008. For further information contact Carla Naltchayan, Vodafone Ireland Foundations Officer 087 9495667 or carla.natchayan@vodafone.com

The Community Foundation for Irelands Small Grants Scheme 2008 The Community Foundation for Ireland works to complement the work of charitable organisations in Ireland. It has set the following as deadlines for applications in 2008 29 th February, 29 th August and 31 st of October. Areas which will be eligible include: support for carers, reducing social isolation of older people, supports for people leaving institutional care, supports for sexual minorities, assisting the building of networks and structures for ethnic minorities, and supports for initiatives involving parents and their children risk of poverty and exclusion. Further information is available from Helen Beatty, 01 8747354 or at hbeatty@foundation.ie

Recreational and Community Facilities and Amenities. South Tipperary Local Authorities invite applications for their 2008 Schemes of Capital Grants for sizeable recreational and community facilities and amenities. Groups/Associations wishing to be considered for assistance should request an application form and copies of the relevant scheme from the local authority by contacting Community and Enterprise Section, South Tipperary County Council, County Hall, Clonmel at 052 34597 or emailing dpce@southtippcoco.ie Completed applications forms should be lodged with the relevant authority not later then 4.30pm on Tuesday lst of April 2008.

Artist in the Community Scheme 2008: The aim of this scheme is to encourage intense collaboration between communities of place and or interest and artists culminating in an artwork or project in which the members of the community group and artists work together in order to realise an artistic project or event. Phase two for communities interested in a project for which there is grant aid of €5,000 to €10,000 available, closing date is 27 th June 2008 for further information contact Katherine Atkinson at 01 4736600 or email support@create-ireland.ie

Culture Ireland: is the national agency, to promote and advance Irish Arts in the international context using funds made available to them by the Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism. Grants are awarded to Irish artists or arts organisations in response to applications received for assistance which can be, any creative or interpretative expression, in whatever form, and includes, in particular visual arts, theatre, literature, music, dance, opera, film, circus and architecture. Applications are considered four times a year the next deadline is the 15 th of February 2008. For further information contact www.cultureireland.gov.ie or phone 01 6313905.

Kilkenny Campus (NUI Maynooth), 10 th Anniversary Essay Competition. This competition is open to mature students currently working towards a full FETAC level 5 or equivalent. There is €6,000 inscholarships on offer. Closing date for receipt of applications 28 th of February 2008. For further information contact 056 7775910 or email Kilkenny.campus@nuim.ie.

Small Arts Festival Grants , which is designed in the main to support and provide opportunities for small arts festivals or events seeking funding up to €20,000. Closing date for applications isthe 29 th of February 2008. Further information is available from the Arts council at smallfestivals@artscouncil.ie or phoning 01 6180260.

Buildings at Risk Programme, this programme is funded and managed by the Heritage Council, this year grants will be given for roof repairs, for further details on the types of buildings and what is eligible for this grant contact the Heritage Council at 056 777 0777 Amanda Ryan, Grants Officer, The Heritage Council, Kilkenny. Closing date for applications is the 31 st of March 2008 .

The Bar Council’s Voluntary Assistance Scheme. A scheme where by services which barristers provide to clients are made available to community groups. This scheme is available to all non Government organisations working with people who have legal problems and who cannot afford the services of lawyers. It does not include family law. For further information contact Jenne McDonagh administrator of the scheme at 01 8175014 or mcdonagh@lawlibrary.ie

Publications Grants from Citizen Information Board. The Publications Grants Scheme supports voluntary organisations with an information dissemination role to meet specific publication needs. Small grants are available ranging from €254 to €3000. Publications are generally part funded. Further information is available from Administrator for Information Publications and Social Policy Service, Citizens Information Board, 7 th Floor Hume House, Ballsbridge Dublin 4 or 01 6059000.

Community and Voluntary Grant Scheme The Programme of grants for locally-based Community and Voluntary Organisations for the refurbishment of acilities has no closing date. Further details can be got at www.pobail.ie or by ringing 071 9186759 or from Voluntary Community Supports, Dept. of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Teeling St., Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo.

Greener Homes Scheme Grant The Greener Homes Scheme Grant from €300 to €6,500 is now available and provides assistance to homeowners who intend to purchase a new renewable energy heating system for either a new or existing home. For further details contact www.sei.ie Greener Homes Scheme, Sustainable Energy Ireland, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. Phone 1850 734 734 or email greenerhomes@sei.ie.

Renewable Heat Deployment Programme (ReHEAT) Under this programme grants are available for the use of qualifying renewable heat systems such as boilers fuelled by wood chips and or wood pellets, solar thermal systems and heat pumps. This programme will provide assistance towards heating systems in industrial, commercial, public and community premises in Ireland. The programme is administered through Sustainable Energy Ireland, who can be contacted at www.sei.ie Sustainable Energy Ireland, Glasnevin, Dublin 9. Phone 1850 734 734.

Community Support for Older People. The Scheme for the Community Support of Older People aims to improve the security and social support of vulnerable older people in their homes. For further information contact: Voluntary and Community Supports Division, Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Teeling St., Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo. Phone No. (071) 9186759/ 9186762/ 9186763 .

Information

Irish Rural Link, 3 rd Annual National Rural Awards to Honour Contributions to Rural Community Development 2008: These awards aim to recognise the hard work, energy and enthusiasm and dedication given to improving and developing local communities around the country. Nominees should be any group or voluntary group that you feel has played a vital role in improving and developing local rural communities around the country. Groups should feel free to nominate themselves. For information on how to nominate a group contact: The Secretary, Irish Rural Link, Unit 2A, Moate Business Park, Clara Rd. Moate, Co. Westmeath. Or email info@irishrurallink.iewww.irishrurallink.ie

Citizens Information Board Group Insurance Scheme for Voluntary Service Organisations: Any voluntary organisation or community group involved in providing a social service can avail of this scheme. Organisations need to complete an Affiliation Form and Proposal Form that meet the criteria of membership of Citizens Information Board Group Insurance Scheme. For further information contact Delores at 01 462 0444 or www.citizensinformationboard.ie/providers/providers_voluntary_insurance.html

Medieval Fair : Camphill in Jerpoint are planning a Medieval Fair on the 21 st of June 2008, any group or small business who would like to participate on exhibit at the event, should contact camphilljerpoint@eircom.net

Training programmes.

Workshop on Silk Papermaking Techniques; will take place in KOZO Studio and Gallery, Kilkenny on the 24 th February 2008. It will provide an introduction to the techniques used in silk paper making, covering traditional methods, using a variety of hand dyed silk and other natural fibres. For furher informaotn contact Tunde Toth e at 056 7793265 or email tundetune@gmail.com. Website is www.kozogallery.com.

Empower Training will run the following courses in Kilkenny:

• Advanced Certificate in Facilitation Skills: 6 th, 13 th 20 th March
• Team Leadership: 6 th 13 th and 20 th March
• Front Office and Reception Skills, 12 th and 13 th March
• Conflict resolution: 10 th, 17 th and 24 th April
• People Management 21 st and 28 th March, 4 th, 11 th and 18 th April
• Supervisory Management 23 rd and 30 th April, 7 th, 14 th 21 st of May
• Train the Trainer Certificate 27 th Feb, 5 th, 12 th, 12 th, 19 th, 26 th March and 2 nd April
• Professional Certificate in Facilitation Skills 8 th, 15 th, 22 nd, 29 th May and the 5 th of June

For further information contact Empower Training 056 7756736 or info@empowertraining.ie

URRUS Irelands Community Addiction Studies Training Centre , a Ballymun Youth Action Project Initiative is offering the following programmes:

• Introduction to Motivational Interviewing> 19/02/2008
• Introduction to Addiction Studies: 26 th February 4 th, 11 th and 18 th of March.
• Crack Cocaine: 18/04/08
• Drug Awareness Information Day 14/04/2008
• Motivational Interviewing: 23 rd, 24 th 25 th April and 19 th and 20 th May
• Community Addiction Studies Course: Autumn 2008 and Spring 2009 (20 sessions)

For further information contact Horizons Centre, Balcurris Rd., Ballymun, Dublin 11 01 8467980 or email urrus@iol.ie

Living Willow 2 day Workshop. You will learn to make various Living Willow tructures such as domes, arbours, arches, fencing etc. as well as making a Living Willow Cone to take home and plant in your garden the cost of the course is €170 including lunch and teas on both days. The venue is Gorse Hill, Greystones, Co. Wicklow on the 1 st and 2 nd of March or Carraig Dulra, Glenealy, Co. Wicklow on the 15 th and 16 th of March. For further information contact Lusi Elliot at 087 6597885 or faolan07@yahoo.ie

Carmichael Centre for Voluntary Groups – National Governance Project. Offer customised board training. The Carmichael Centre has been delivering training courses to the boards or management committees of community and voluntary organisations since 2000. They will tailor a training course or orkshop for your and deliver it to you at the time and place that suits you. For further information contact Danielle at 01 8735285 or email Danielle@carmichaelcentre.ie

FEIW Women’s Enterprise Programme 2008 . This innovative programme will cover 14 topics over 16 sessions, with one three hour session every week between January and June 2008. It will be run in the evening time on Mondays from 7.00-10.00pm. It is aimed at any woman in business that has been running for at least one year, who demonstrates a clear intention to grow their business in the coming twelve months. For further information contact Louise Dalton at 051 302946 at the Centre for Entrepreneurship, School of Business, Waterford Institute of Technology, Carriganore Campus, Cork Rd., Waterford or email ldalton@wit.ie.

More Power to you-th: Training course BT the National Youth Development Education Programme . For further information on this training please contact Alan Hayes at 01 4255932 or alan.hayes@nyci.ie

Organic Gardening Courses Oracle Organic Farm in Nurney, Carlow are offering short term courses in Organic Gardening throughout the summer. The courses are run on a Saturday and different aspects of organic growing are covered each day. The tutor is an experienced grower and teacher. For furtherinformation contact Grace at 087 9358148.

Certificate in Grantsmanship is a LEVEL 3 online course. It is aimed at community and voluntary organisations working to set up manage and sustain community projects and services. This is an accredited short course which will provide the ideas, knowledge, confidence and skills required to become a creative and successful fundraiser. For further information contact 0191 2755042 or www.fundraisingskills.co.uk.

Suggested websites:

www.bnsrd.com BNS’s website is updated regularly, and includes contact details and information on the organisations activities throughout the area.

www.kceb.ie/ts.shtml Kilkenny County Enterprise Board provides training for business and enterprises. They are currently enrolling for their autumn classes.

www.kilkennyvec.ie/content/read/title/introduction-to-adult-education The VEC offers a variety of adult education and training programmes for individuals and community groups throughout Kilkenny. Many courses are currently enrolling.

www.kkccc.ie Kilkenny County Childcare Committee offers training programmes for childcare providers, childminders and individuals, interested in childcare training programmes.

Click here to receive this newsletter in electronic format.