GRANTS AVAILABLE
IN THE
DIOCESE OF CASHEL, FERNS AND OSSORY
FOR
*CHURCH REPAIRS
*EDUCATION
AND
*MISSION, COMMUNITY, OUTREACH, HERITAGE, AND LITERARY PROJECTS
Diocesan Office
June 2022
INDEX
Introduction
- PLANNING CHURCH REPAIRS? STEP-BY-STEP ADVICE
Section 1. Church repairs
(a) GRANTS FOR CHURCH REPAIRS SPECIFIC TO THIS DIOCESE
Kathleen Day Bequest
(b) GRANTS AVAILABLE FROM NATIONAL FUNDS
Marshall Beresford Fund
RCB Church Fabric and Development Fund
(c) GRANTS AVAILABLE FROM ORGANISATIONS OUTSIDE THE CHURCH OF IRELAND
County Councils
National government
- Built Heritage Investment Scheme
- Historic Structures Fund (2 streams)
(d) FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION
LEADER grants
(e) GRANTS AVAILABLE TO PARISHES IN IRELAND AND THE UK
Benefact Trust (formerly All Churches Trust)
Section 2. National Church of Ireland grants available for the development of mission and other initiatives
- Church of Ireland Priorities Fund
Section 3. Education and Literary grants available in this diocese
- Knox Bequest Literary Grant Scheme
- Education – 1st Year Child Assistance for Secondary School (Diocese of Ferns)
- The Tate School Bequest (Ferns)
- Gaeltacht scholarships for 2nd level students (Ferns)
- Gaeltacht scholarships for 3rd level primary school teaching students (Ossory & Leighlin)
Section 4. General grants related to education available to Church of Ireland families in the Republic of Ireland
Accommodation grants for Boarding school pupils. (Protestant Block Grant scheme funded by the Department of Education and Skills)
Section 5. Youth grants
CALENDAR OF APPLICATION DATES
PLANNING CHURCH REPAIRS?
Doing your homework speeds the process
| Summer (July, August, September) | Rural Deanery reports are received by parishes during these months |
| Autumn and Winter | This is a good time for planning repairs/renovation.
After Select Vestry discussion of what’s needed it is a good idea to discuss your preliminary plans with the chairperson of your diocesan Glebes and Property Committee.
Cashel & Ossory (North) – Mr Cecil Wellwood Contact details:
Cashel & Ossory (South) – Mr Peter Clifton Brown Contact details: to be added
Ferns – Mr Robbie Syme Contact details: 086 2423031
The next step is to assign an engineer or architect to the project. Quotations for the work can be sought next or the work may be put out to tender. Vestries are reminded that three quotations are needed. |
| Spring | Applications for all grants usually open early in the New Year. Being ready with your application will mean that work can be completed promptly. |
| Note: Diocesan Council permission must be sought for works over the amount of €20,000.
|
You must inform your Glebes and Property Committee chairperson that you intend spending more than this amount. He will bring your request for permission to Diocesan Council which has to agree this expenditure before work can begin. |
SECTION 1. CHURCH REPAIRS
GRANTS FOR CHURCH REPAIRS SPECIFIC TO THIS DIOCESE
KATHLEEN DAY BEQUEST
This Bequest is available for help towards repairs/restoration work carried out in any church in the Diocese of Ossory, Ferns & Leighlin. (Note: It is not available in the Dioceses of Cashel, Lismore or Waterford). The Bequest is administered under two areas, namely the Diocese of Ferns and the Diocese of Ossory & Leighlin.
The guidelines for the distribution of funds are similar for both areas:
- Allocations of the income from the Day Fund will be decided annually by the Diocesan Finance Committee, subject to approval of the Diocesan Council. The Council may appoint a group with appropriate expertise to examine applications and advise the Finance Committee.
- Application Forms for Grants are available from the Diocesan Secretaries.
- Applications for Grants must be sent to the relevant secretary before 31st March each year. All allocations will be considered and decided by the Diocesan Council at its next meeting after that date.
- Applications may be made for any church in the Diocese of Ossory Ferns & Leighlin.
- In deciding priorities and in recommending allocations the Diocesan Finance Committee will be guided by the following factors:
- The size of the regular congregation
- Recommendations made in the most recent Diocesan Architect’s Report
- Efforts made by the parish itself to raise funds
- That the parish/union has consistently met its diocesan financial obligations
- Payments of grants awarded will be made on receipt of accounts of work done, together with certificate of approval from an architect or engineer.
Section 2. GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR CHURCH REPAIRS FROM NATIONAL FUNDS
All Select Vestries should note that grants are available from the following sources:
MARSHAL BERESFORD FUND
The Marshal Beresford’s Fund, although administered by the RCB, is an external fund under the control of trustees separate to the RCB. It is for grants for repairs to Church of Ireland churches.
The allocation of the income is made by the Archbishop of Armagh, supported by the RCB Property department.
The Marshal Beresford Fund and Church Fabric and Development Fund are held towards the building or repair of churches or chapels.
The grants from the Marshal Beresford Fund and the Church Fabric Fund are allocated half–yearly in April and November.
Completed application forms must be returned to the Representative Church Body by either 1st March or 1st October for the relevant half–year.
If a parish is awarded a grant, it will be allocated from either the Marshal Beresford Fund or the Church Fabric and Development Fund and not from both funds.
Grants are usually not allocated towards a project until the half–year after the proposed completion date for the works relevant to the grant application.
Application forms are available from: Mr Ian Walshe, Property Department, Representative Church Body, Church of Ireland House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6, D06 CF67. (Tel: 00353–1–4125 619; Email: ian.walshe@rcbdub.org)
Full details are available through the Church of Ireland Website or from Church House, Dublin or on https://www.ireland.anglican.org/parish-resources/parish-finances#section-101
RCB CHURCH FABRIC AND DEVELOPMENT FUND GRANTS
These may be awarded for two different purposes:
(i) Restoration of the fabric of a church building which is vested in the RCB;
or (ii) Development of initiatives which support the long-term mission of the Church.
More information about these two purposes, the application criteria and application forms can be found on
www.ireland.anglican.org/parish-resources/parish-finances
The provisions of the Church Fabric & Development Fund also allow a parish which has its own fund (an investment resulting from the sale of a church under the provisions of the Church Fabric & Development Fund and held in trust by the RCB) to apply to use part of this investment towards the development of an initiative which supports the long-term mission of the Church.
More information can be found at www.ireland.anglican.org/parish-resources/parish-finances.
More information about the criteria, deadlines and application forms can be found on the main Church of Ireland website. Further details concerning this Fund are available on www.ireland.anglican.org/parish-resources
Deadline: Applications for a fabric grant must be received by either 1st March or 1st October for the relevant half-year. The grants from the Marshall Beresford Fund and the Church Fabric Fund are allocated half-yearly, in April and November,
It is advisable to apply in plenty of time prior to carrying out the proposed works to allow the parish to be sure of its financial position and safeguard against risk. Applications will be considered by the RCB Executive Committee.
Section 3. GRANTS ADMINISTERED BY ORGANISATIONS OUTSIDE THE CHURCH OF IRELAND
LOCAL GOVERNMENT – COUNTY COUNCILS
Grants may be available from certain County Councils in this Diocese particularly for community-based projects. Please research the grants section of your relevant County Council websites in counties:
Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow, Waterford, Tipperary, Laois
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
These are two schemes that are jointly managed by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and between them support the owners and custodians of protected structures in every local authority area in the country in the repair of conservation of the historic built environment. They run from year to year with a limited application window which is usually between the periods of November to February.
- BUILT HERITAGE INVESTMENT SCHEME
This scheme was developed to assist with the repair and conservation of structures that are protected under the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended).
In certain cases, the scheme is also available for the conservation of structures within Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) where, in the opinion of the local authority, a need for works to enhance the character and appearance of an ACA has been demonstrated.
The primary purpose of the scheme is to support privately owned properties in need of repair and conservation. This is achieved through the leveraging of private capital for investment in a significant number of labour-intensive, small scale conservation projects throughout the country and to support the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craftspeople and tradespersons in the repair of the historic built environment.
- HISTORIC STRUCTURES FUND (FORMERLY THE STRUCTURES AT RISK FUND)
This fund will enable Grants Administered by External Organisations RoI Grants Administered by External Organisations
For a small number of grants from €50,000 up to €200,000 for larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, where a clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated.
More information can be found on
https://www.gov.ie/en/circular/3cbf1-circular-hsf2022-historic-structures-fund-2022/
While the primary responsibility to care for and maintain a protected structure rests with the owner, the Historic Structures Fund will invest essential capital in our valuable built heritage and help the owners and custodians of historic structures to safeguard them into the future for the benefit of communities and the public.
The core aims of this fund are to:
- enable larger scale conservation works to be carried out on heritage structures which are deemed to be significant and in need of urgent support;
- encourage the regeneration and reuse of heritage properties and to help to secure the preservation of protected structures and/or historic-culturally significant assets;
- support the investment of private capital in labour-intensive projects to conserve historic structures in public and private ownership for community use.
- support employment in the conservation and construction industries.
- build resilience in our heritage properties to enable them to withstand the effects of climate change. The Department encourages project promoters to incorporate a traditional skills training element in the project
There are two streams of funding:
- Stream 1 – For grants of between €15,000 and €50,000 for essential repairs and smaller capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of heritage structures.
- Stream 2 – This will offer a small number of grants from €50,000 up to €200,000 for larger enhancement, refurbishment or reuse projects involving heritage structures, where:
- A clear community or public benefit has been demonstrated, or
- A clear residential benefit has been demonstrated (such projects must be advanced through the planning process as necessary)
A grant of over €200,000 may be awarded in exceptional circumstances where a case is made by the applicant in relation to the significance of the project and the works proposed.
Closing date is usually early Feb. Check on website above.
Section 4. FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION
EU LEADER Programme
This promotes social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in rural areas. Those applying should refer to the section ‘heritage and culture’. Further information is available through your local LEADER Group and how to apply for funding www.pobal.ie/FundingProgramme/LEADER/Pages/LEADER.aspx
LEADER is a European funding initiative which is managed by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in Ireland.
It enables local development by devolving decision-making to many different companies throughout rural areas in the Republic of Ireland.
The name of the relevant company will vary depending on region; names commonly used are Integrated Local Development Company, Leader Company, Leader Partnership or a Local Action Group (LAG).
Each LEADER organisation administers a particular rural development fund and will have different priorities based on their local plan and the needs of the area.
The Church of Ireland has benefitted from grants for building works which fall into relevant criteria, such as the upgrading of rural heritage and renewal and development works. Information on the relevant local Leader organisation and advice on making an application can be found on the National Rural Network website.
Further information on LEADER 2014-2020 is available on the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government website: www.ahrrga.gov.ie/rural/rural-development/leader For information on how to contact your local LEADER group and how to apply for funding: www.pobal.ie/FundingProgrammes/LEADER/Pages/LEADER.aspx
Note: The 2014-2020 LEADER plan was extended to the end of December 2022. A new plan period will begin in 2023.
CLOSING DATE: LEADER applications are managed by local area development groups so deadline details will be available from them.
Section 5. GRANTS AVAILABLE TO IRELAND AND THE UK
BENEFACT TRUST (formerly All Churches Trust Limited)
The Benefact Trust (formerly known as the All Churches Trust) offers grants to Christian charities and organisations across the United Kingdom and Ireland with an emphasis on heritage, care and community. It supports projects for the repair of and improvement to historic buildings, preservation of heritage, and initiatives around training, mission and church growth.
Benefact Trust is the owner of Ecclesiastical Insurance Group which has also rebranded to Benefact Group, marking the first time in the organisations’ history that they share the same name.
The Benefact Group, owned by Benefact Trust, is an international group of financial services businesses, that gives all available profits to charities and good causes.
“Each business is individually recognised as a specialist in their market, but united by the belief that everyone benefits from better business – doing right by our customers earns their business; their business enables us to give back to causes and communities.
Giving our profits to good causes means we are driven by something far greater than the need to satisfy shareholders; we are motivated to make a real difference in the lives of the people and properties we help protect, the financial futures we fortify and the communities we were built to help.”
https://benefacttrust.co.uk/which-grant-is-for-me/
SECTION 6. GRANTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF MISSION AND OTHER INITIATIVES NATIONALLY
CHURCH OF IRELAND PRIORITIES FUND
This is for the development of mission, community, outreach or heritage initiatives.
The Diocesan Council recommends that Select Vestries avail of this grant within the scope of the objectives of the Fund as per the following categories:
- Ministry – lay and ordained
- Retirement
- Education
- Community
- Areas of Need
- Outreach Initiatives
- Innovative Ministry in a rural context
Since 1980, the General Synod Priorities Fund (generally known as the Priorities Fund) has supported projects within the Church of Ireland.
Every parish is asked to contribute to the Priorities Fund and the amount raised is allocated across a number of different areas of need within the Church.
Applications must relate to projects which fall into one of the supported categories.
The Priorities Fund Committee recommends allocations to the Standing Committee for approval.
More information on the criteria, guidance on applying and application form can be found on www.priorities.ireland.anglican.org
Deadline: 31st October each year
Examples of projects that received funding in 2022 and 2021:
| Wheelchair accessible courtyard at church and children’s garden | €8000
|
| Installing and equipping a new youth and children’s building – the shed | €11,886 |
| To assist with a sustainable community garden initiative | €2377 |
| To furnish and equip coffee bar and welcome area in church annex | €17,830 |
| Rural ministry to young people, joint project between 3 parishes | €17,830 over two years |
| Support to building of a cabin for Sunday school and youth work | €14,264 |
| Project supporting lonely, vulnerable and elderly in parish | €4472 |
| Provision and installation of AV system for live streaming | €15,000 |
| Performance of the Easter story | €33,540 |
| Helping people struggling with debt | €5590 |
| IT facilities for online ministry | €3320 |
| Interpretation panels and literature for visitors | €10,000 |
| Audio visual equipment for church | €1700 |
| Community garden with men’s shed | €4160 |
SECTION 7. OTHER GRANTS AVAILABLE IN THIS DIOCESE
- LITERARY GRANT
KNOX BEQUEST LITERARY GRANT SCHEME
Are you interested in writing and publishing a book or booklet, in print or online, related to your parish or the wider Diocese?
If so, there may be a grant available to help you do this from the Knox Bequest.
The Reverend Iain Knox, a former rector of Clonmel, himself the author of books about local and church history, left a substantial legacy, the income from which is to be made available (annually) in the Diocese of Cashel, Ferns & Ossory to encourage appropriate publications.
Topics for such publications can include local history but also other subjects of relevance to the life and work of the Diocese will be considered. This might include anything from a Diocesan Lent course to a collection of locally focussed resources for worship.
Applications are open to individuals and groups.
Please apply to: The Diocesan Office, The Palace Coach House, Church Lane, Kilkenny.
Tel: 056 7761910
Annual closing date: 30th April each year
- EDUCATION GRANTS
1st YEAR CHILD ASSISTANCE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL
Ferns Diocesan Board of Education
(0nly one grant per family)
A small amount of money may be available to one child in any family resident in the Diocese of Ferns, who plans to attend boarding school or day school under Protestant management. All applications are means tested.
Application forms are available from:
Margaret Jacob
Honorary Secretary
Ferns Diocesan Board of Education
Shroughmore
Enniscorthy
County Wexford
Y21 VW30
Email: mjeducationferns@gmail.com
Completed forms to be returned not later than 30th April each year.
THE TATE SCHOOL BEQUEST
Diocese of Ferns
Applications are available each year for this grant from March to the deadline of July 1st each year.
For necessitous pupils of the Diocese of Ferns attending Secondary School Education
Application forms are available from:
The Tate Governors
Bedford House
Ballymorris
Clonard
County Wexford
GAELTACHT SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 3RD LEVEL STUDENTS
(Ossory & Leighlin Board of Education)
The Board will allocate some scholarships for students living in the Ossory & Leighlin area only who are following a course for Primary School teaching.
Those wishing to apply should do so as soon as possible from early March each year to:
The Secretary
Ossory & Leighlin Diocesan Board of Education
The Palace Coach House
Church Lane
Kilkenny
IRISH COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2ND LEVEL STUDENTS
Ferns Diocesan Board of Education
The Board offers scholarships to Second Level students resident in Ferns diocese for a course in an approved Irish College each summer.
Application forms may be obtained from:
Margaret Jacob
Honorary Secretary
Ferns Diocesan Board of Education
Shroughmore
Enniscorthy
County Wexford
Y21 VW30
Email: mjeducationfersn@gmail.com
SECTION 4. YOUTH GRANTS
DIOCESAN GRANTS IN SUPPORT OF INITIATIVES IN YOUTH MINISTRY
The Diocese, some years ago decided to no longer have one full time youth officer and to devolve the greater part of the money that would have been spent on this post to parishes or clusters of parishes for regional and fresh initiatives in youth ministry.
The Diocesan scheme is supported by the CIYD, whose grants makes this scheme feasible, and by the Bishop’s Youth Advisory Group which helps to form an overview of youth work in the diocese and assists with the formulation of strategy and the exchange of good ideas.
Over the past several years a number of very fruitful projects has been supported and it is intended to continue this support scheme. By way of example, in the past we have been able to facilitate regional youth ministry based in several centres where part time youth workers have been employed, to assist with programme development, to expand music-based ministry that parishes can offer to many young people, and to contribute to third level outreach and chaplaincy provision.
As one of the purposes of the scheme is to assist ‘fresh’ initiatives, they will be to some extent prioritised in the allocation of available funds. However, ‘continuing’ applications will be carefully considered where a strong case is made for a further period of continued dependence on diocesan subvention
If any continuing or new projects seek support for initiatives in youth ministry, they should be in accordance with the original approved criteria and they should reach the Diocesan Secretary before the application deadline.
Criteria for Diocesan Grants in Support of Initiatives in Youth Ministry
The Diocesan Council resolved that the bulk of the allocation previously used to support a youth officer should be retained in the diocesan budget and should be available to provide grants to parishes, or clusters of parishes, to develop a programme of youth ministry, possibly involving the local part time employment of youth workers. Applications for funding from parishes, or clusters of parishes, will be considered in the context of a fully prepared business plan.
Clergy and Select Vestries, as well as those involved in all aspects of youth ministry, may consider whether they wish to apply. Applying does not guarantee success, and applications will be carefully scrutinised by the panel appointed for this purpose. The panel may choose to meet applicants in person in the course of their work.
Criteria
- Successful projects will be receiving financial support from the diocese as a whole, and therefore it needs to be demonstrated that those projects involve not simply a diocesan subvention of something already happening, but a fresh initiative that could not gain traction without the benefit of investment from the wider diocese
- Great care will be taken that money is not provided for projects that are unrealistic and not costed in detail. This scheme cannot be used simply to prop up good or naive intentions, however superficially laudable
- Applicants may wish to explore the possibility of further partner funding from other parochial or community sources – indeed the local focus of this scheme may facilitate seeking such funding
- Some applications may involve partnership with the educational or sporting sectors. Others might have an ecumenical element
- It is hoped that the Church of Ireland Youth Department may be in a position to assist with training and resourcing arising from successful applications
- It may be worthwhile seeking the advice of other well-known organisations in your community (not necessarily church-rooted) that have experience in the area of attracting and motivating young people
- youth work refers to an age range from early or mid-teens to late twenties, and the support scheme will be open to supporting initiatives that encompass a wide variety of age groups.
- Where the planned youth programme focusses on those who are legally ‘children’, all Safeguarding Trust requirements will have to be fully in place.
- It should also be noted that where part time youth workers are appointed with the assistance of this scheme, all necessary contractual and employment issues are a matter for Select Vestries, and the Diocesan Council should be assured that they have been duly put in place. This is a particularly important matter, particularly when it comes to the potential renewal of fixed – term contracts of employment, and vestries would be wise to seek their own legal advice.
In all of this there has to be an overarching realisation that the work planned should enrich and inform the growth in discipleship of young people.
Note: Awards amounts maybe subject to change on the appointment of a youth officer/co-ordinator.
SECTION 5. GENERAL GRANTS RELATED TO EDUCATION AVAILABLE IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
ACCOMMODATION GRANTS FOR BOARDING SCHOOL PUPILS
The SEC is the Secondary Education Committee. We are an independent charity that administers the Protestant Block Grant scheme and we are funded by Irish Government’s Department of Education and Skills.
We provide financial assistance to help Protestant families attend the 21 fee–charging Protestant secondary schools across the Republic of Ireland. Our grants are means tested and are designed to reduce the amount of fees you pay in proportion to your ability to pay.
The SEC supports Protestant families to exercise their right to attend Protestant–managed schools. We believe that a family wishing to send their child to a school that accords with their own faith tradition should not be prevented from doing so due to their financial position.
Geographically, it can be difficult to access a Protestant secondary school in the Republic of Ireland as there are only 26 Protestant–managed secondary schools in only 12 counties. For many Protestants wishing to send their child to a Protestant school, boarding school is the only option and this comes at a high financial cost.
The grant is paid directly to the school to reduce the amount of fees a family pays. The application process begins with the completion of a registration form (available directly from the school), then the completion of an application form. The deadline for registration is 30 November 2020. Details of how to apply can be found on the website www.secgrant.ie
Board of Education (RI) Information
The Board of Education (Republic of Ireland) represents the Church of Ireland in all educational matters applying to the State, including as an education partner with the Department of Education and Skills and other educational bodies. It also supports religious education in primary schools under Protestant management and provides support, training and advice to primary level patrons and boards of management.
Dr Ken Fennelly
Secretary, Board of Education (RI)
Church of Ireland House
Church Avenue
Rathmines
Dublin 6
D06 CF67
+353 (0)1 4125 609
ken.fennelly@rcbdub.org
| Date | Event | Comments | |
| January | |||
| 31st | Youth grant applications | The Bishop considers the applications and forwards them to Finance Committee for approval | |
| February | 11th* | Historic Structures Fund
(Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage)
|
Closing date is generally early February |
| March | 1st | Marshall Beresford and RCB Church Fabric and Development Fund applications (half-yearly) | Funds are allocated half-yearly, in April and November. |
| 31st | Kathleen Day Bequest Applications* | Completed application form must be received by Diocesan Office by this date. All allocations will be considered by Diocesan Council at its next meeting following this date. | |
| April | |||
| 30th | Gaeltacht Language scholarships | Application forms to relevant Board of Education | |
| 30th | Knox Bequest Literary Grant
|
Applications to Communications & Magazine Committee
c/o Diocesan Office |
|
| 30th | Ferns Diocese – 1st Year Child Assistance for Secondary School | ||
| May | |||
| June | |||
| July | 1st | Ferns Diocese – Tate School Bequest | For necessitous pupils of the Diocese of Ferns attending Secondary School Education.
Application forms are available from: The Tate Governors Bedford House Ballymorris Clonard County Wexford
|
| August | |||
| September | 20th | Church of Ireland Priorities Fund* | Applications need approval by Diocesan Council before application is submitted. forms therefore must have been received by Diocesan Office by 20th September so that application can be made by the closing date 31st October.
|
| October | 1st | Marshall Beresford and Church Fabric Fund applications | Funds are allocated half-yearly, in April and November. |
| November | |||
| December | |||
| EU LEADER GRANTS
BENEFACT TRUST
|
NO PARTICULAR DEADLINES. Consult the relevant websites for application details. | ||
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NOTES:
Glebes & Property: if a property item needs to be considered by the Diocesan Council before submitting it to the RCB property Committee in Dublin, it must be received by the relevant Glebe Secretary (North, South or Ferns) a month before the Diocesan Council for approval.
Kathleen Day Bequest: This is only available for repairs to churches in the Diocese of Ossory, Ferns and Leighlin.
Church of Ireland Priorities Fund. Deadline for informing the Diocesan Office of your intention to apply is 20th September (for approval at September Diocesan Council meeting. RCB closing date is October 31st each year.