The Heritage Council is inviting applications from across County Sligo to its Community Heritage Grant Scheme which is part of the rescue package for the heritage sector announced by the Minister for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan.
Funding for Heritage Projects in Sligo
Funding available for Heritage Projects in Sligo
The aims of the grant scheme are to support capital projects that improve access and inclusion to heritage sites and that apply good heritage practice in the management of places, collections, objects and buildings. The scheme also supports the purchase of essential equipment. Grant applications must be submitted using the Heritage Councils on-line application system at www.heritagecouncil.ie/funding. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Tuesday, 15 September 2020. Intending applicants are advised to register early with the Heritage Council’s on-line application system.
Siobhán Ryan, Heritage Officer, Sligo County Council said that
“The heritage sector is facing serious challenges, including business closures and job losses, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement of the Heritage Council’s Community Heritage Grant Scheme as part of the Governments stimulus package is a welcome announcement, providing heritage support to communities where it is most needed’.
“The lockdown was an opportunity for many to reconnect with and explore the heritage around them. Many of us realised the importance of our natural, built and cultural heritage to our well-being, quality of life, sense of place and our sense of community.”
The Community Heritage Grant Scheme will see €550,000 made available nationally. The funding is very welcome and will go some way to providing much needed support for heritage initiatives in County Sligo. Eligible projects that can be considered under the scheme include projects relating to: access and inclusion, community-led surveys and audits that will inform future management of heritage sites, community-led conservation reports and plans, conservation works on publicly owned buildings/habitats/invasive species/objects and collections and, the purchase of specialised equipment or items that support conservation or improve access to heritage. Due to a lack of resources, The Heritage Council has not been in a position to offer the very popular Community Heritage Grant Scheme for the past two years.
Please note the grant scheme does not cover works to carry out any public sector body’s statutory or core responsibilities; undergraduate or postgraduate studies; archaeological excavations or post-excavation analysis and reporting; memorials; amenity landscaping works; exhibitions; conferences or training; publications or primary school projects.
Grants of up to €15,000 can be awarded. Funding of up to 80% of the project cost can be sought. Match funding by way of voluntary contributions or benefit in kind is acceptable.
Applications to the Community Heritage Grant Scheme can only be made using the on-line applications system on the Heritage Council website prior to the 15 September deadline. Projects must be completed by November 23, 2020. Further information on the grant scheme is available from the Heritage Council at www.heritagecouncil.ie/funding or by emailing Amanda Ryan, Grants Officer with the Heritage Council at aryan@heritagecouncil.ie. Advice on applications is also available from the County Sligo Heritage Office on 071 9114482 or by emailing heritage@sligococo.ie.
For further information please contact – Siobhán Ryan, Heritage Officer, Sligo County Council at 087 6544222.