Cork City Public Participation Network (‘PPN’) last night launched a new grant scheme for its members where the public will have the final say on how funds are allocated. At the launch of ‘Cork Voices’ on Wednesday evening 08 May in the Cope Foundation’s Doras Training Centre at Penrose Wharf, it was highlighted that,

‘The main goal of this Scheme is to test out participatory grant-making in an Irish context. While participatory budgeting and grant-making have been growing across Europe, they have not been tried in Ireland yet, so this is a first for the City and Country.’

Participatory grant-making and budgeting systems allow the public to have a direct say in how public funds are allocated. Cork City PPN is a publically funded independent body that is partnering with Atlantic Social Labs, Cork City Council, and Enterprise Ireland on this project. Speaking after the launch, Cork City PPN Coordinator Yvonne Murphy stated,

‘We are delighted to be leading the way with this scheme. Our mandate is about promoting public participation in decision-making and the goal is to see that extend to greater involvement for the public in local government budgeting. This Grant Scheme is a way for us to test the ground and make the case for that, so it’s very exciting.’

With grant amounts ranging from €400 to €750, Cork City PPN is hopeful the Cork Voices Scheme will appeal to eligible community & voluntary organisations across the City. And, while solely open to Cork City PPN Members, they highlighted,

‘We are always open to new members and would be happy to accommodate any group or organisation that would like to join so they can take part in this scheme.’

ENDS

For more details on Cork Voices or Cork City PPN, contact Cork City PPN Coordinator at coordinator@corkcityppn.ie, 086 142 2747

For more info on the scheme and to download the application form, visit

Cork Voices Funding Grant for Cork City PPN Members

 

  • The Cork Voices grant is being co-funded by Atlantic Social Labs and Cork City PPN in partnership with Cork City Council and Enterprise Ireland
  • StoryTracks and One Step Closer have been contracted as part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project, which is funded by Enterprise Ireland