Regional Infrastructure Programme
Purpose
This programme supports core costs of regional infrastructure organisations involved in playing a supporting, co-ordinating or development role in relation to voluntary and community sector organisations, particularly in those policy areas which are the responsibility of DSD. Community infrastructure allows new work and new organisations to develop, supports and resources those already there, and facilitates networking which encourages sharing. Good infrastructure builds social capital, reinforcing networks and developing a resource that is not depleted but strengthened by use. The sectoral infrastructure within the voluntary and community sector allows for an overall strategic view to be developed.
Current Status
This programme is limited to a small number of regional organisations where policy responsibility lies with DSD. It is open for applications, subject to organisations meeting the criteria and the necessary resources being available.
Criteria
Organisations must provide clear evidence to indicate that it provides a key service of support to voluntary and community sector organisations across N. Ireland, which is not otherwise available. This is likely to include a significant number of the following areas:
- Representation and participation on behalf of their membership or sector;
- Advice, information (e.g. face-to-face, mentoring, support for submitting funding applications) and signposting;
- Public policy - consultation, influencing and changing public policy;
- Support for the community development process to enable people to contribute to issues, which affect their lives, and the communities in which they live through empowerment, inclusion, equity, partnership and collective action;
- Encourage collaboration between voluntary and community sector organisations; and
- Service delivery for member organisation across Northern Ireland.
This programme is not open to single-issue organisations or to organisations where the lead policy responsibility lies with another Government Department.
Funding Level
The Regional Infrastructure Programme is discretionary and there is no recommended funding level. Applications are subject to economic appraisal, in line with HM Treasury standards, and the available budget of VCU may limit the level and number of grants it can consider. Priority will be given those applications that fully and wholly meet all of the above criteria in the view of VCU.
For further information contact:
Telephone: 028 9082 9412
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