Campus Engage welcomes Government Supports Package for Community and Voluntary Organisations, Charities and Social Enterprises

Campus Engage welcomes the Government’s announcement of a €40m package of supports for the charity sector that will comprise:

1. A targeted €35m Stability Fund, distributed as once-off cash grants, to provide immediate short-term cash flow for organisations delivering critical services that have suffered significant income loss due to COVID-19 restrictions.
2. A €5m Government contribution to a Philanthropy Fund focused on supporting COVID-19 responses that require innovative and adaptive solutions to existing and emerging challenges.

The COVID- 19 pandemic has shone a light on the value and major role of the community and voluntary sector in the social and economic fabric of our country. Across the island of Ireland thousands of volunteers in community and voluntary organisations are working together with State bodies, third level institutions, schools, and frontline services to bring supports to those in need, while helping to inform policy on protecting the most vulnerable at both national and local levels.

“Charities and other voluntary organisations have been a key part of the government initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering essential services and supports to our society’s most vulnerable. This funding will be crucial to aid these charities at a time of deep financial pressure but also will protect these essential services at a time when society needs them most. Campus Engage continue working with our colleagues across civic and civil society organisations to address the current crisis; and are committed to partnership approaches to build a vibrant and sustainable community and voluntary sector in Ireland. ~ Kate Morris, National Coordinator for Campus Engage.

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