Wed 08, Sep 2010

Youth Work Funding and Grants administered by Co Westmeath VEC

Young People’s Facilities and Services Fund (YPFSF) – Athlone Town

The YPFSF was established in 1998 to assist in the development of preventative strategies / initiatives in a targeted manner through the development of youth facilities (including sports and recreational facilities) and services in disadvantaged areas where a significant drug problem exists or has the potential to develop.  In 2008 it was announced by Government to extend the Fund to four new towns, one of which is Athlone.  

The objective of the Fund is to attract “at risk” young people in disadvantaged areas into these facilities and activities and divert them away from the dangers of substance abuse.  The target group for the Fund is 10-21 year olds who are marginalised through a combination of risk factors relating to family background, environmental circumstances, educational disadvantage, involvement in crime and / or drugs etc.  The Fund is operated through the Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA) and is co-ordinated locally through the YPFSF Athlone Development Group. 

Applications for funding are made through the YPFSF Athlone Development Group which assesses the suitability of proposals against priorities identified for the area.  Recommended proposals are subsequently forwarded to the National Assessment Committee (NAC), which is chaired by the OMCYA and made up of representatives of relevant statutory, community and voluntary sector organisations.  Following consideration at NAC level, the proposals are submitted to the Minister of State with responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy for approval.

The YPFSF Athlone Development Group (ADG) invites local voluntary, youth and community organisations to apply under the above Fund.  The ADG would particularly welcome applications which focus on the issue of alcohol misuse and the provision of alternative social and other activities which address this issue.

Application forms are available from and should be returned in hard copy only to the YPFSF Athlone Development Group c/o;

Maria Fox
Youth Officer
Co Westmeath VEC
Marlinstown Office Park
Mullingar
Co Westmeath

Closing date for receipt of fully completed application forms is FRIDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 2010.  Applications will not be considered after this date.

Youth Information Centre

Athlone Youth Information Centre, which is run by Midland Regional Youth Service, provides young people with easy access to information on rights, opportunities, benefits, health, welfare and other matters. This service also helps those looking for advice and help concerning emigration and mobility within Europe.

Local Youth Club Grant Scheme

This Scheme provides support for youth work activities at local level.  The scheme provides a source of direct funding for individual  voluntary  youth clubs and groups.  This scheme is advertised widely when available.

The maximum grant available to an individual club is €3,000.

Since 2007, the VEC requires all clubs / groups applying for grant in aid and other supports, to register with the VEC.  Once registered, clubs can apply for funding, support, networking opportunities and representation on forthcoming planning committees.  Click here to download registration form.  Click here for Irish version.

The allocation of these grants is made possible by the availability of National Lottery and National Development Plan funds to The Children and Youth Services Deveoplment Unit, Office of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA), Department of Health and Children .  Clubs/organisations in receipt of funds from the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme must publicly and prominently acknowledge the allocation of National Lottery and National Development Plan funds in its stationery, publications and promotional material.

Grant aid is currently available under this scheme to youth clubs and groups operating in County Westmeath. This scheme is for voluntary youth clubs and groups only, sports clubs are not eligible for funding.

This scheme is funded by the Children and Youth Services Development Unit of the Office of the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs.

The maximum grant available to each club is €3,000.

Application forms are available from the undersigned and should be returned no later than
FRIDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2010

Application form is available to download here. Further information and guidelines on this grants scheme is available here.
             
The Committee’s decision in respect of any application is final.

For further information on this or any aspect of the youth work activity of the VEC please contact

© 2004 Westmeath Vocational Education Committee


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