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The £15 Modernisation Fund Capital Programme has finally opened for applications. The Minister has decided it will fund a Pilot Infrastructure Scheme, a Community Facilities Improvement Scheme and a Small Capital Grants Scheme.
The Task Force on Resourcing the Voluntary and Community Sector, in its Report ‘Investing Together’ identified the need for resources to help promote modernisation and change within the voluntary and community sector and to enhance the capacity of the sector to deliver services.
This £15m capital programme will place particular priority on services and facilities for disadvantaged children and young people and on improving access to services.
It will fund projects that range from providing equipment and facilities for young people in the most disadvantaged areas, helping to improve access to services for people with a disability, renovating rural community halls and it is intended to resource a number of quite large scale projects that will exemplify the partnership driver for modernisation in the sector.
The Modernisation Fund Capital Programme will be divided into three funding strands which will simplify the administration and maximise impact of the Programme.
Pilot Infrastructure Scheme [allocation £9m] which will exemplify and demonstrate what positive Steps means by modernisation. Supporting applications with a grant value of between £300k and £1.5m per project. It is estimated that between 12 - 15 such projects could be supported throughout N. Ireland under this scheme.
Community Facilities Improvement Scheme [allocation £3m]. It is envisaged that this scheme [individual project value between £100k and £300k] will permit organisations to improve facilities to allow better service delivery and access to services. Around 15 – 20 projects are expected to be resourced through this scheme.
Small Capital Grants Scheme [allocation £3m] grant value between £20k and £100k and is expected to fund between 25 – 50 projects. This scheme will allow organisations to undertake minor works and / or purchase assets thereby improving their ability to deliver a better service to the community.
At the launch the Minister stated “ I have previously made clear my view that we are living in a time of change and reform. Government and public services are being transformed. The private sector also and that the Voluntary and Community Sector needs to accept and embrace significant change if its contribution is to be refreshed and sustained.”
“I see this investment as an excellent opportunity for the voluntary and community sector to rise to the challenges ahead and continue to be a vibrant and progressive influence for the community of N. Ireland.”
Seamus McAleavey, Chief Executive NICVA welcomed the new funding stating,
Applications must be received by 4.00 pm on 19 October 2007
Further information about the proposed scheme can be obtained from: VCU, Policy and Research Team, Lighthouse Building, Gasworks Business Park, 1 Cromac Place, Ormeau Road, Belfast, BT7 2JB, Telephone: 02890 829440 / 02890 829405; Fax: 02890 829431; E-mail: colette.mccluskey@dsdni.gov.uk
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