Fingal Chamber has awarded over €15,000 to community-led projects and activities under the new Fingal Chamber Community Fund, with the announcement made at a special online event with Minister Joe O’Brien.

Established in 2020, the Fingal Chamber Community Committee, which oversees the fund, aims to create a Fingal which is sustainably developed for the benefit of the people who currently live and work here, and for future generations who will inherit the region.

The Fingal Chamber Community Fund is targeted at supporting communities on developing initiatives in a variety of categories such as environmental and sustainability, health and wellbeing, and social inclusion and community development.

Financed by supporters and contributions from the Chamber itself, the fund is set up to award small grants of between €1,000 and €5,000 yearly.
Despite being in its first year, the Fingal Chamber Community Fund was heavily oversubscribed, receiving over 120 submissions collectively requesting more than €365,000. The Chamber received applications from voluntary community groups, established clubs, local charities, and residents’ associations from local communities, amongst other organisations.

Fingal Chamber announced the successful groups and projects at an online event on Thursday, the 18th of March. The event was opened with an address by the Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD.

The event then showcased the successful groups, who each highlighted their projects and activities and how they will benefit their organisation and the wider local community. A recording of the Grant Announcement Event is available to watch on the Fingal Chamber YouTube channel.

A diverse range of projects across Fingal are receiving funding through the Fingal Chamber Community Fund, including Blakestown Mountview Youth Initiative (€2,500), Swords Celtic FC (€2,177), Phoenix FM (€1,810), St John’s Ambulance Swords Division (€1,500), and Crosscare Youth Service (€1,500).

A total of 11 grants will be paid to groups and the funded activities will include a coaching cultural awareness project, a girls’ football academy, a gender diversity programme for local radio, ambulance equipment, and a youth employability programme.

Minister Joe O’Brien said:
“I’m delighted to support the first Fingal Chamber Community Awards. It really is a credit to the Chamber and its members to have launched this fund in what has been a devastating 12 months for so many businesses in the county. Solidarity between business and community groups is to be encouraged and supported at all times but I think these awards deserve special credit this year, considering the year that the business community has had.  What stands out to me too, is the variety of level of community need that is being addressed by the fund. Many of the projects tonight that have received awards have responded and innovated quickly to the challenges that Covid has thrown at us.”

Andrea Molloy, Fingal Chamber President said:
“I am thrilled to announce our first Fingal Chamber Community Fund grant recipients. We received a staggering number of applications from across Fingal, from Balbriggan to Santry, and Howth to Blanchardstown, and we thank each of them for the great work they do to benefit our community.
Unfortunately, with a limited amount available, we have not been able to meet the large level of demand, but, thanks to our supporters, we are fortunate enough to be able to assist some very worthy organisations and projects. I would like to congratulate each of the successful groups, and we look forward to following their fantastic projects and activities over the coming months.
I would like to acknowledge the Fingal Chamber Chief Executive, Anthony Cooney, and the Chamber Board for their continued support and commitment in creating this programme.
I would also like to give a special thanks to the Community Committee members, Maura, Grace, Kesava, Terry and David for their time and effort developing this programme over the past year.”

Anthony Cooney, Fingal Chamber Chief Executive said:
“The Fingal Chamber Community Fund has proven very popular this year and every effort was made by the Community Committee to support as many projects and groups as possible. Fingal Chamber looks forward with confidence to supporting local community and voluntary groups into the future.
The Fingal Chamber Community Fund is supported by patrons. I urge any business that would like to get involved in supporting this work, to contact us to see how we can make an even greater impact together. For more information, visit www.fingalchamber.ie/community”