MCC Community Grant and Burial Ground Grant Schemes – Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. How are groups informed when the scheme is open for applications?

  Grant schemes are advertised in local newspapers, on www.meath.ie, Meath County Council’s social media accounts and through the Public Participation Network (PPN) website: www.meathppn.ie/grants/

• 2. Who can apply?

  The Community Grant and Burial Ground Grant schemes are open to Community Groups, Tidy Towns/Village Committees, Residents Associations and other not for profit organisations.

• 3. What can our group apply for?

  Groups can apply for assistance with general maintenance costs, projects that will benefit the community, local festivals and events etc. some examples include; grass cutting or planting of public spaces, purchase of equipment, assistance with costs for a family fun day or a festival.

• 4. What is the process?

  After the closing date the applications will be assessed to ensure they are eligible under the scheme and a draft grant amount allocated. The draft allocations will be presented to the Housing, Community & Cultural Development Strategic Policy Committee for their review and recommendation to the Full Council. The draft allocations will be presented to the Full Council at their next scheduled meeting.

  Groups will be informed of the decision and if applicable their grant allocation after the Full Council meeting. This is usually in early April. Groups must then submit their grant claim form and receipts; the deadline for the submission of these documents is the 30th September. The Community Department will arrange payment of the grant as quickly as possible following the receipt of all of the necessary documents.

• 5. When will we be informed of the application decision?

  The Community Department will endeavour to inform applicants as quickly as possible following approval by the Full Council. This is usually in early April.

• 6. What are the timelines for the scheme?

  The closing date for the receipt of completed application forms is close of business on 6th March 2020. Completed grant claim form, EFT form and receipts must be submitted to the Community Department by 30th September 2020.

• 7. What is Meath Public Participation Network (PPN)?

  Meath PPN is a network to bring community groups together in Meath. You can find more information on the PPN at www.meathppn.ie

• 8. Do we have to register with the Public Participation Network (PPN)?

  Yes, all groups must be registered with the PPN. Each group is given a unique PPN Registration number. This can be found on the PPN Website https://www.meathppn.ie/membership-search/ under Municipal District or Pillar.
  If you are not registered, please log on to: www.meathppn.ie/join-now/ or phone Danielle Monahan (PPN Resource Officer) on 046 9097407/087 3512281

• 9. What permissions are required to include with our application?

  It is recommended that Tidy Towns groups discuss their proposals with the Municipal District Engineer and get prior approval as appropriate.
  In the case of Burial Ground grants, please discuss your proposals with the Loreto Guinan, Heritage Officer, Meath County Council.
  If planning permission is required for the project please include a copy of the planning decision.

• 10. Do we need match funding?

  Match funding is not required for the Community Grants or Burial Ground Grant schemes.

• 11. Can we apply for more than one category

  Groups may apply for a maximum of 2 grants under the Community Grant scheme with a maximum of one in any category. Please note that a separate application form must be submitted for each category.
  Under the Burial Ground grant, one application is permitted in the case of each graveyard.

• 12. We don’t have a bank account setup, can the grant be paid into a nominated persons bank account?

  Groups must have a valid BIC & IBAN led current Bank or Credit Union account in the name of the group to which the approved grant aid will be paid.

• 13. Is voluntary labour eligible?

  Voluntary labour is ineligible under the Community Grant and Burial Ground grant schemes.

• 14. Does a member of our group have to attend the Care and Conservation of Graveyards workshop?

  It will be mandatory in 2020 for a member of the group to attend the Care and Conservation of Graveyard workshop.

• 15. We don’t have a Residents Association in our estate; how do we go about setting one up or who can advise us?

  Here are some examples of PPN “How to Guide To Setting Up a Resident’s Association.”
  Guidelines for residents association – Carlow PPN

  Guidelines for residents associations – Kildare PPN

  If you have any questions, please contact Danielle Monahan (Resource Officer for Meath PPN) on meathppn@meathcoco.ie

• 16. Have I to send in all the invoices / receipts for the expenditure incurred with the grant?

  It is not necessary to submit all paid invoices/receipts for the expenditure incurred; groups must submit paid invoices/receipts up to the value of the grant awarded.

• 17. How will I know if you require a Tax No. or not? When is it required?

  If your group is in receipt of a payment or payments from Meath County Council which equate to €10,000 or more in a calendar year a valid tax reference number and tax clearance access number will be required to process the grant payment.

• 18. Where do I apply for a tax number?

  Please see www.revenue.ie for advice on applying for a tax number.

• 19. Can I purchase the goods or carry out the work before my grant has been approved?

  In the case of Community Grants – yes, once the expenditure has been incurred in the year of grant award it is eligible.
  For Burial Ground Grants – no works should commence until after a member of the group has attended the Care and Conservation of Graveyards workshop.

• 20. When will I receive the funds?

  The Council will process the grant payment as quickly as possible after the receipt of all the required claim documentation.

• 21. Do I have to spend the money before I get it back?

  Yes, grant payments will only be made following the receipt of the required documentation, these are; the grant claim form, completed supplier setup form and receipts or invoices noting payment.

• 22. What do I do if my project does not or cannot go ahead?

  Please advise the Community Department as soon as possible if your project is not going ahead so that the next step can be discussed.

• 23. What if I spend more or less than the amount I was approved funding for?

  Grant payments will only be made on the basis of paid receipts submitted.
  If your group spends more than was approved your group will still only receive the approved grant amount. If your project costs less than anticipated the grant payment will be for the value of the receipts submitted.

• 24. Is a lease required?

  A lease is not required for Community Grants or Burial Ground grants.