Effective Annual Report Workshops

 

Effective Annual Report Workshops 

Cork Volunteer Centre in partnership with Carmichael are organising a free workshop for non-profit organisations on “Developing your Annual Report. The aim of the workshop is to help participants understand the process in preparing an effective Annual Report from the perspective of the Board Members, Directors, Trustees. The workshops are free thanks to the support of Community Foundation Ireland and Pobal.

 

To register please visit this link. 

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/developing-an-annual-report-workshop-tickets-132081414065?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch 

 

 

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Watch Cork Volunteer Awards 2020 on FACEBOOK - October 9th.

Julie Connelly Cork Volunteer Centre Mobile: 0868523347 Address: 13 North Main St. Cork, T12 Y6W0 CHY: 19850 Registered Charity Number (RCN): 20078195 Website: http://www.volunteercork.ie/1991-2/    Please consider the environment before printing this email.

 

 

www.corkcoco.ie

Arts Council announces more than 30 funding opportunities for 2021

 

26 January 2021

The state agency for funding and developing the arts said it was publishing the opening and closing dates for all of its schemes through to December.

The announcement includes a new ‘Agility Award’, an open and flexible grant scheme designed around the needs of professional artists and arts workers. Priority will be given to applications that demonstrate how the applicant’s practice will benefit from taking time to develop their craft, and/or working on artistic ideas. There will be three rounds of this award in 2021; spring, summer and autumn.

“This is an immensely challenging period for the arts, and it is vital that our artists and arts organisations are able to plan for the future,” said Arts Council Director Maureen Kennelly. “By publishing our full funding schedule for the year we hope to encourage and support artists as they imagine a vibrant, creative, post-Covid Ireland.”

In its October Budget, the Government allocated some €130 million to the Arts Council for this year, which the Council said represented a strong signal that the arts will be central to national recovery.

Among the schemes and awards published are:

Bursary Awards are to support professional artists in the field of dance to develop their art practice. It provides artists at any stage of their career with the time and resources to think, research, reflect and critically engage with their art. Opened on 15 December 2020, closes 28 January 2021, with another round opening 25 May and closing 24 June.

Commissions Awards are available across several art forms and arts practice areas supported by the Arts Council. Opens on 30 March, closes 29 April.

Project Awards are offered across four art forms, and are designed to enable artists to make innovative, ambitious and high-quality work. Opens on 30 March, closes 29 April.

Arts Grant Funding, designed to ensure that there is a breadth of high-quality arts activity throughout the country, offers flexible support for a fixed period of time, and responds to the needs of those who are making, presenting and supporting work. Opens on 13 April, closes on 27 May.


Schemes and awards are open to arts organisations, artists or practitioners meeting the published criteria. Please note that you must register for online services BEFORE you submit an application.

The table here lists the funding opportunities being planned by the Arts Council for 2021. It is as accurate as of January 2021, but subject to change. Please be sure to check the funding section of our website, and subscribe to our Newsletter for up-to-date information throughout the year.

Public Health Measures during surge in COVID-19 cases

We are experiencing an unprecedented surge in COVID-19 cases in Ireland.

Ireland is at level 5 restrictions.

You can see the measures in place here.

We ask everyone, for the protection of our friends, family and the frontline, to please stay at home.

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme

The vaccination programme continues to be rolled out nationwide, and we have administered a total of 121,900 Covid-19 vaccines (up to 20^th January).

The focus has been on residents and staff of Long Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) this week, with the aim of completing the first vaccinations by 24^thJanuary, though some locations may be slightly delayed due to outbreaks or other circumstances.

This week we have also begun to administer second doses of Pfizer – BioNtech vaccine for the first time.

The COVID-19 vaccination programme will be further accelerated as vaccines arrive, and it will involve a national partnership with GPs, Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals across Ireland.   

We encourage everyone to read about the COVID-19 vaccine and to get their information from a factual, trusted source – here are the links to the pages with information on the vaccine:

• Check hse.ie/covid19vaccine for information about the vaccine, information on this page is updated regularly
• Find the vaccine information materials at www.hse.ie/covid19vaccinematerials
• Details on getting the COVID-19 vaccine is updated regularly here
• Read the full COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy
• Read the National Immunisation Advisory Committee Chapter about COVID-19 vaccine
• COVID-19 vaccine information for health professionals 

 

Self-isolation and restricted movements

You can watch the latest self-isolation and restricted movements ad here. We would be grateful for help in sharing this important information. 

 

Stay at Home posters

You can find the latest COVID-19 Stay at Home posters here.

 

Tidy Towns 2020 and 2021

In 2020, the Tidy Towns competition was cancelled in the interests of public health and safety, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2020, the Minister for Rural and Community Development announced that the competition will take place in 2021. However, the format of the competition may be altered to fit with COVID-19 restrictions.

Rules

Who can enter?

Entry into the Tidy Towns competition is voluntary and the competition is open to every village, town and city area in the State. The competition is for local communities who are interested in improving the quality of their surroundings and, in the process, developing community spirit. In general, entries are voluntary committees that identify the work that needs to be done and carry it out in co-operation with other local interests (for example, local authorities, businesses, residents' associations and volunteers).

Age Friendly Ireland Newsletter

Please see today’s Age Friendly Ireland Newsletter now available online here

Stay cozy everyone……   It is not the answer that enlightens….but the question 

Warm regards

Mary Creedon

 

www.corkcoco.ie

Newly reported Brazilian Covid variant.

 Dear all,

Please see messaging below from the Department of Housing on behalf of the Department of the Taoiseach, in relation to the newly reported Brazilian Covid variant.

If you can help in getting this message out to your networks or relevant communities it would be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards

Sophie

 

• All passengers who have arrived from Brazil in January are requested to come forward for a COVID-19 PCR test.  This test can be obtained by going to a GP and seeking a referral.  GPs have been alerted and will facilitate this without any charge.
• These travellers are also strongly advised to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of arrival.
• The HSE’s contracted isolation facility at the Citywest Hotel complex is available to those who are unable to self-isolate in their own homes for any reason and is an option for people from Brazil in this situation.

 

 

Sophie Ryan   |  Oifigeach Cúnta Foirne

Oibríochtaí Ceantair Bardasacha & Forbairt Tuaithe

Comhairle Contae Chorcaí, Halla an Chontae, Corcaigh, T12 R2NC Éire

T: 021 428 5320| e: sophie.ryan@corkcoco.ie |  www.corkcoco.ie

 

Sophie Ryan   |  Assistant Staff Officer

Municipal District Operations & Rural Development

Cork County Council | County Hall | Cork, T12R2NC Ireland

T 021 428 5320| e:  sophie.ryan@corkcoco.ie |  www.corkcoco.ie   

Cork County Council Announces €1.8m Fund for Community and Voluntary Groups

 

Following a challenging year for the community and voluntary sector, Cork County Council is delighted to announce funding to the value of over €1.8million to support local communities in 2021. The Council’s Community Fund Scheme provides financial support to a range of groups and organisations right across the county and will open for applications on Monday, January 11^th.

The scheme is administered locally by the Council’s eight Municipal Districts and provides financial assistance to a wide variety of community, sporting and voluntary organisations under three distinctive fund types; the Capital Fund, Community Contract and the Amenity Fund. Each year, these funding schemes support a range of projects and initiatives, such as supporting the work of Tidy Towns groups and Community Associations, as well as providing much needed assistance for local infrastructural works and sports and leisure facilities.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley, welcomed the announcement of the 2021 fund, noting that Cork communities have demonstrated huge resilience and innovation over the past year,

“I am continually impressed by the works carried out by community groups under this scheme. The Council’s Community Fund supports many worthwhile projects and initiatives every year and I am delighted to announce that this support will continue in 2021. This year’s fund will be a lifeline to many groups, following the many challenges that the Covid-19 pandemic has posed for our communities”.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey, noted that this is Cork County Council’s seventh year providing the Community Fund Scheme,

“In 2021 we are making over €1.8million available to communities through our General Municipal Allocation. Cork County Council’s annual commitment to supporting community and voluntary groups across the county has never been more important. I am delighted to confirm that despite the challenges of Covid-19, we are able to continue to provide significant financial support to our communities this year and in doing so, a welcome boost for our towns and villages”.

Application details and guidelines for the scheme will be available online at www.yourcouncil.ie from Monday January 11^th 2021 and will close at 4pm on Friday February 19^th 2021. Further information is available in the Guidelines for The 2021 Community Fund.

5 Million new free postcards from An Post to brighten up January

 

• Two new free postage-paid postcards for every home
• Customers invited to Design Your Own Card for family and friends
• Community Supports to continue
• Increased business supports for SMEs

 

14 January, 2021:  An Post is inviting the nation to Brighten up January with a two new free postcards to be delivered to every home from next week.  

The large format postcards are postage paid for delivery within Ireland and each household will receive two cards – one with a printed design and one blank for decorating by customers of all ages.  An Post’s first free postcard initiative launched in March last year proved hugely popular with customers during the country’s first period of Lockdown.

An Post’s Julie Gil explains: “As we continue to support each other by staying apart and staying home, it’s the right time to Send Love to family and friends, particularly those who are living alone.   We’re delighted to present our second free set of postcards for customers, and this time we are inviting everyone to enjoy making their greeting extra-special with their own personal design.

“We saw wonderful artwork on the postcards last year so we’re giving customers of all ages the space to be even more creative this time around.  Your messages of love and solidarity will brighten people’s homes over the weeks ahead. 

“Irish Postmen and Postwomen will continue to provide Community Focus supports including check-ins, newspaper delivery and free post for nursing home residents so that we can all stay connected while staying apart.  We’ll leave no-one behind.

“An Post’s range of business supports for SMEs are also being extended to help them grow their business and customer relationships”, she added. 

SMEs

An Post Commerce is extending its support for Irish SMEs.  SME discounts on parcel labels are being increased from 25% to 34% with immediate effect.  Details at anpost.com/commerce.

An Post Commerce will also provide a series of Expert Insights based on real life learnings from SMEs on business successes and challenges in the Covid environment, such as better trading online, building on new customer relationships and Seamless Shipping Worldwide.

Community Focus - An Post is continuing its range of Community Focus supports for customers:

• Check-In:  An Post delivery staff will continue to check in regularly with ‘seniors’ along their postal routes.  Family members of older or vulnerable customers can register for a specific free check-in for a relative at anpost.com/CommunityFocus.

 

• Postage Pick-Up for Older/Vulnerable customers:  If older or vulnerable customers are unable to get out to buy stamps a card or letter, their postperson will pick up the item and An Post will cover the postage. 

 

• Newspaper Delivery:  An Post will provide same-day delivery of newspapers for older and vulnerable customers Monday to Friday.  Customers can find out more at anpost.com/CommunityFocus or newsdelivery.ie

 

• Temporary Agent for Post Office Social Welfare Collection: Customers can nominate a Temporary Agent to collect social welfare payments (eg Pension) at the Post Office.  Forms are available at all post offices and anpost.com/Communityfocus.  9am – 11am on Friday is the dedicated period for seniors to collect payments and do other post office business.

 

• Postage to and from Nursing and Care Homes:  An Post is providing free postage on letters to and from residents of Nursing and Care homes in the State.  By writing FREEPOST where the stamp normally goes, An Post will carry cards and letters to residents without a postage stamp.

 

Postcards will be delivered to homes, homeless hubs, nursing/care homes and prisons nationwide from Wednesday 20^th January.

Cork County Council’s Covid 19 Emergency Fund

 Cork County Council’s Covid 19 Emergency Fund opens for applications on today Monday January 18^th and will close at 4pm on Friday February 5^th.

 

Applications can be made via www.yourcouncil.ie wherein you will also find associated guidelines.  For your information, see attached press release

 

Regards,

Kay

 

 

Kay Keegan

LCDC Chief Officer

Community Development Unit

Economic Development, Enterprise & Tourism

Cork County Council

Business Growth Hub

County Hall

Historic Buildings of Ireland Advice Publication

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has published a guide to help those who own or are custodians of Irish historic buildings in the event of a disaster. It offers guidance and advice to prevent and prepare for such an event. To download a free pdf of the advice go to https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/app/uploads/2020/12/Disaster-A-guide-to-preparedness.pdf

Save the Date – National Heritage Week 2021

The Heritage Council is delighted to confirm that National Heritage Week 2021 will take place from Saturday, 14th August to Sunday, 22nd August 2021. 

Adapting to this year's circumstances was no easy feat but the energy and commitment of the 750+ project organisers who create heritage projects this year ensured that Heritage Week remained a vibrant celebration of Ireland's heritage. As a result of the creativity and passion heritage enthusiasts brought to this year's initiative, National Heritage Week 2021 will retain the project element that was introduced this year. 

More details on National Heritage Week 2021 will be available soon. In the meantime, projects from this 2020’s National Heritage Week will remain available online for you to browse. 

Garden Birds Survey

Birdwatch Ireland want to remind you that you can still be a part of their Garden Bird Survey which will continue right through till the end of February 2021. Over 1000 gardens take part each year and taking part is fun, easy and an ideal way to get to know your garden birds better. Further details https://birdwatchireland.ie/our-work/surveys-research/research-surveys/irish-garden-bird-survey/

Documentaries Remembering the War of Independence in County Cork

Cork County Council has undertaken two documentaries as part of its Decade of Centenaries Commemorative Programme to remember The Kilmichael Ambush and two of Cork’s revolutionaries, Tomás MacCurtáin and Terence McSwiney. The documentary videos, supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, will be released on Cork County Council’s YouTube channel on Friday, November 27^th.

November 28^th, 2020 marks the centenary of the Kilmichael Ambush, a pivotal event in the War of Independence for Cork County and City and for the emerging nation as a whole. The ambush, led by Tom Barry as commander of the West Cork Brigade’s Flying Column, saw 20 fatalities, one of the highest number of casualties at any singular event in Ireland during the War of Independence.

Tomás MacCurtáin and Terence McSwiney both held the office of the Lord Mayor of Cork City. While holding the office, MacCurtáin was assassinated by the Royal Irish Constabulary, and McSwiney, his successor and friend, died in prison on hunger strike in protest at his internment and trial as a civilian by a military court. These events sent shockwaves throughout the world and would influence future revolutionaries such as Mahatma Gandhi. The documentary will explore the ties of these important figures to the County of Cork.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley welcomed the new documentaries,

“The wealth of cultural heritage in Cork County that we have today is thanks to generations of historians, archaeologists and ordinary people whose dedicated work throughout the years has enriched our understanding of our history. While these commemorations acknowledge the contributions of great individuals like Tomás MacCurtáin, Terence McSwiney and Tom Barry, it’s important we remember the significant community and voluntary work that has gone into enabling us, one hundred years later, to continue to learn about our history.

Cork County Council’s Commemorations Committee and Commemoration Grant Schemes will continue to support this work, so that future generations, both at home and our diaspora across the globe, will benefit from these resources and connections to our past. This year, circumstances sadly prevent us from coming together physically in commemoration. These videos will bring us together while apart and inform our understanding of our shared history and heritage”

Cork County Council is also proud to support The Crossbarry and Kilmichael Commemoration Committee in delivering a commemoration event over Zoom at 7:00pm on Saturday, November 28^th 2020. The talk will feature Jack Lane of Aubane Historical Society delivering “Lessons of the Kilmichael Ambush and reflections on the War of Independence” followed by an online public meeting at 9:00pm.

Those interested in taking part can find the links to the meetings on the Heritage Section of the Cork County Council Website.

Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Historic Structures Fund 2021

Cork County Council in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage are inviting applications for grant funding under the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and Historic Structure Fund 2021. The Conservation Office for Cork County Council will administrate the scheme which relates to buildings that are contained in the Record of Protected Structures and in Architectural Conservation Areas. The deadline for submission of completed applications for both the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structure Fund is 4pm on the 29^th of January 2021.

Built Heritage Investment Scheme 2021.

Project supports will range from a minimum of €2,500 to a maximum of €15,000 per application. This scheme will support small-scale conservation projects and support the employment of skilled and experienced conservation professionals, craftspeople and tradespersons in the repair of the historic built environment.

1.     BHIS Application Form 2021 (pdf)

2.     BHIS Application Form 2021 (doc)

3.     BHIS Circular 2021 (pdf)

Historic Structure Fund 2021

The primary focus of the Historic Structures Fund will be on conservation and enhancement of historic structures and buildings for the broader benefit of communities and the public.

1.     Stream 1 will offer grants from €15,000 up to €50,000 and is aimed at essential repairs and smaller capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of heritage structures.

2.     Stream 2 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.

3.     Pilot Stream for Vernacular Structures - In the context of the forthcoming strategy for built vernacular, a pilot stream for vernacular structures is being introduced for 2021, with funding of €50,000. The purpose of the stream is to support conservation repairs and small capital works to vernacular structures that are not listed in local authority Records of Protected Structures or otherwise legally protected. Such structures may be located within an Architectural Conservation Area. All local authorities can apply for funding for specific projects of between €5,000 and €10,000 for eligible projects.

4.     Pilot Stream for Historic Shopfronts – To incentivise the conservation of historic shop fronts, each Local Authority is invited to submit an additional application under Stream 1 for eligible essential repairs and small capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of historic shop facades, windows, signage and other associated details to safeguard them and keep them in use.

5.     Irish Language Shopfronts - Each Local Authority is invited to make an additional application under Stream 1 for essential repairs and small capital works for the refurbishment and conservation of historic Irish-language shop facades, windows, signage and other associated details to safeguard them and keep them in use. This is in addition to the additional application already permitted under this stream for other shopfronts.

The relevant application forms are as follows;

1.     HSF Application Form 2021 (pdf)

2.     HSF Application Form 2021 (doc)

3.     HSF Circular 2021 (pdf)

Submission of Applications:

Please note that multiple applications for the same structure under the Historic Structures Fund and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme will not be considered in 2021. Applications may be made as follows;

1.     Hard copies are to be addressed to the Built Heritage Investment Scheme or Historic Structure Fund, Conservation Office, Floor 3, Planning Department, County Hall, Cork.

2.     If you wish to submit your application by email please contact mona.hallinan@corkcoco.ie and/or pierangelo.cacciotti@corkcoco.ie for details of the same.

The deadline for submission of completed applications is 4pm on the 29^th of January 2021. Late applications and/or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

 

Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Mary Linehan Foley:

“The County of Cork is steeped in heritage and not least when it comes to our built heritage. Our protected structures and historic buildings are part and parcel of our identity. Our built heritage needs continued maintenance and investment to ensure its safeguarding for future generations. These schemes will see continued investment in the County’s built heritage in 2021 and are of significant benefit to County Cork.”

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey, notes new Pilot funding schemes added this year, saying

“Cork County Council recognises the value of our rich heritage here in County Cork and supports and promotes conservation. A Pilot Stream for Vernacular Structures, introduced for 2021, supports conservation repairs and small capital works to structures not listed in the Records of Protected Structures or otherwise legally protected. Funding of between €5,000 and €10,000 is available for eligible projects. A new Pilot Stream for Historic Shopfronts and Irish Language Shopfronts will incentivise their conservation and help ensure the protection of our historic shop facades, windows and signage that give Cork County towns such character.”