The GRETB Community Education service offers support to community groups by provision of grant funding to deliver community education courses based on learner need/interest.

The purpose of the Community Education Grant Scheme is to promote and/or develop community education initiatives in local community settings. The Community Education Grant Scheme seeks to create opportunities for people to identify their learning needs, learn in their own communities and to support progression routes from this important base in the community, thus engaging communities in a process of empowerment and change.

To involve those who are most excluded in community education courses in order to build their confidence, to empower them as individuals to participate in education and help in the development of their community.

To ensure the most excluded communities take part in community education initiatives;  

To empower and build people's capacity to participate in education initiatives and community life;

To encourage progression for groups or individuals where this is appropriate;

To gather information and research to feed into models of good practice and allow for information sharing;

To encourage learners to understand the social and political environment in which they live.

The grant is available to community groups for the purpose of community education which are led by volunteers and working with adult learners 18+

Volunteer led community groups

Adults with low or no formal qualifications

Established groups showing innovation in course selection and engaging new members.

The maximum grant available per group is €2,200.

If a group is successful, 100% of the allocation will be released to the group after all courses have been completed and all returns i.e. roll sheets, registration forms and income and expenditure sheet have been submitted.

An EFT (Electronic Funds Mandate) form must be submitted each year with each application.

Failure to complete these records will impact future funding.

Groups not listed in the target groups

Youth Clubs/Groups

Sports Clubs

Repeat funding of groups for the same activities; such groups need to identify progression routes for participants or clearly illustrate that new members are being engaged in such courses;

Courses which can be funded from alternative sources

Training centres currently receiving funding from GRETB.

Canvassing in any form will disqualify Community Groups grant application.

Proposed tutors cannot be members of the applicant group or committee, this is deemed a conflict of interest and will disqualify.

Proposed tutors cannot apply for funding, this is deemed a conflict of interest and will disqualify.

Incomplete applications cannot be accepted; all applications must be received within the stated deadline.

GRETB's position with regard to the tax affairs of voluntary bodies receiving grant aid:

The Revenue Commissioners require organisations receiving between €635.00 and €6349.00 to acquire a tax reference number if they do not have charitable status. This is obtained by contacting the local tax office. The telephone number of the District Tax office is 091 563041 or Lo Call 1890 777 425.

Voluntary organisations must submit a tax reference number.