Charities Update: New Funding Available to Unincorporated Charities

Recently, the Department of Rural and Community Development announced the opening of “Phase 2” of the COVID-19 Stability Fund , which invites applications for funding from unincorporated charities.

The Fund was established to provide support to qualifying organisations which are most in need and have seen their trading and/or fundraising income drop significantly during the COVID-19 crisis. The aim of the Fund is to contribute to the overheads and day-to-day running costs of organisations. We previously outlined details of “Phase 1” of the Fund here.

In order to be eligible for Phase 2 of the Fund, an organisation must:

1. Be unincorporated, i.e. not a company, statutory body or sole trader

2. Be registered as a charity with the Charities Regulatory Authority (the CRA)

3. Have been providing supports and services to vulnerable individuals in Ireland on or before 1 January 2019, and

4. Have a projected loss in trading or fundraising income of at least 25% in 2020

It should also be noted that:

• Registered charities whose only or sole purpose is the promotion of religion, education and the arts are not eligible to apply, and

• The beneficiaries of applicant organisations must be people living in Ireland

Further details on Phase 2 are available here. These should be read carefully prior to any application being made.

Applications are submitted online. The closing date for applications has been extended until Monday, 17 August 2020 at 3pm.

Conclusion

The extension of this funding is a welcome development for unincorporated organisations which are struggling through these unprecedented times. Eligible organisations should ensure that an application for funding is submitted online before the deadline of 3pm on 10 August 2020.

For more information in relation to these supports, or for advice on your organisation’s eligibility or application, please contact a member of our Charities & Not-For-Profit team.