Council allocates more than £38,000 to 82 community groups across the district as part of the RECOVER Grant Aid programme

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has awarded a total of £38,560 to 82 groups across the district as part of the allocation of funding through the RECOVER programme.

The RECOVER grant aid programme was established to support arts, community and sports groups with the recovery and reanimation of their activities in line with the Northern Ireland Executive’s five stage Coronavirus recovery plan.

This figure represents the first tranche of funding under the programme and is in addition to £130,000 of emergency funding which was disbursed by the Council to 64 groups under the Covid-19 Community Fund.

Speaking about the allocation, the Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Chris Smyth said, “these are extremely difficult and challenging times and local groups, be they arts, community or sports groups, have incurred additional expenditure as a consequence of the global pandemic. However we have proved in the face of such challenges that by working in partnership we are stronger together.

We are indebted to these groups, who have been at the forefront of the effort during the crisis, for the help and support which they have provided to their communities during this time. Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is delighted that it has been able to make funding available to help support organisations to renew planned activities in an online or socially distanced capacity with a view to encouraging action, rebuild confidence within communities and promote a partnership approach to coordinate activities, maximising the reach and impact.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has now allocated almost £170,000 directly to groups through specific Covid-19 related grant aid programmes.

The application process for financial assistance from the RECOVER Grant Aid programme remains open and will close on 20 November 2020 subject to funding being available.

Older Persons groups should continue to work with South West Age Partnership for the submission of applications in line with previous arrangements for the sector.

If groups require assistance to complete their applications, please email the Council at communitysupport@fermanaghomagh.com

For further information or to apply for grant aid, please visit Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s website.