Introduction to the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme incorporating the National Quality Standards for Volunteer-led Youth Groups:

The Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS or ‘the Scheme’) supports volunteer-led youth club/group activities at a local level. The Scheme, which provides grant aid towards the costs of running clubs/groups, is part-funded by the proceeds of the National Lottery. Funding for the Scheme is provided by the Department of Children, Equality, Integration, Disability and Youth (DCEDIY) and is administered locally by Education and Training Boards (ETBs) as co-grantor and on behalf of DCEDIY. ETBs advertise the Scheme locally on an annual basis, outlining the purpose of the grant and the eligibility criteria.

Download DDLETB Local Youth Club Grant Scheme Application form 2021

Download 2021 Local Youth Club Group Scheme Guidance Notes

The Scheme supports voluntary youth club/group activities for young people; with priority given to clubs/groups catering for young people aged 10–21. The primary focus of the Scheme is to assist local volunteer-led youth clubs/groups that provide a programme of youth work activities for young people. In addition, other clubs/groups that work with young people, but are not specifically providing youth work, are also entitled to apply for funding under the Scheme.

In 2017, DCEDIY incorporated the National Quality Standards for Volunteer-led Youth Groups (NQSVLYG) into the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme (LYCGS). These national quality standards were developed to support and enhance voluntary work with young people. The three National Quality Standards for Volunteer-led Youth Groups are:
1. Standard 1: Safety and well-being – Programmes, practices, and people ensure and promote the safety, support and well-being of young people.
2. Standard 2: Young person-centred – Programmes, practices, and people ensure and promote the voluntary participation, inclusion and voice of young people.
3. Standard 3: Developmental and educational – Programmes, practices, and people ensure and promote the development, achievement and progression of young people.

Throughout the club/group year, volunteers progress actions relating to the Standards that will improve the running of the club/group and the experience of the young people attending the club/group. Where a club/group requires support with progressing the Standards, it can request this from the National Youth Organisation to which it is affiliated. A youth club/group that is not affiliated to a National Youth Organisation can request support from its local ETB (see contact details in Appendix 1 of the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme Application Form).

The LYCGS Application Form is also the reporting template for the National Quality Standards for Volunteer-led Youth Groups. If you do not wish to apply for the grant, you need only complete Sections 1, 2 and 5 of the form. If you need any help in completing these sections of the form, please contact your National Youth Organisation (see details listed in Appendix 2 of the Form).

Download DDLETB Local Youth Club Grant Scheme Application form 2021

Download 2021 Local Youth Club Group Scheme Guidance Notes

 

Mitigating Against Educational Disadvantage Fund (MAEDF):
Calling all Community Education providers/groups: Open Call for Funding!

DDLETB Further Education and Training (FET) Service in conjunction with SOLAS has launched an open call for funding aimed primarily at local Community Education Providers/Groups.

The Mitigating Against Educational Disadvantage Fund (MAEDF) aims to address educational disadvantage which may be experienced by learners and has a particular focus on supporting the engagement and re-engagement of learners in the community. This call aims to reduce barriers to participation in FET by facilitating wider access to digital technologies, equipment, materials etc.

The Mitigating Against Educational Disadvantage Fund (MAEDF) of €8 million was announced as part of Budget 2021.

The purpose of the fund is to support community education provision targeted at adult learners, who have the highest level of need. It aims to increase the participation of disadvantaged learners, particularly those on literacy and basic skills programmes at NFQ levels 1 to 3. The fund has a strong focus on building the digital infrastructure of community education providers and increasing their capacity in delivering online learning.

Administration of the MAEDF Grant

Funds are allocated by SOLAS to DDLETB, who is responsible for the administration and management of funding within its region.

Expenditure

Approved funding allocation for any activity under the MAEDF must;

(a) Be used for the specific purpose intended

(b) All expenditure to be completed by 2020 year-end

(c) Not to be used for any pay costs or costs of a recurring nature

(d) Be compliant with Circular DPR 13/14 governing the payment of grants

(e) A tax clearance certificate for the grantee organisation must accompany each application.

(f) Maintain records of expenditure for audit purposes.

Applications for funding can be under one or more of these four strands:

1: Digital Technologies

2: Learner Assistance

3: Reach Out/Mentoring

4: Covid 19 Exceptional Circumstances

Click here for the Application Form

Click here for the DDLETB MAEDF Funding Guidelines (Updated 18 Nov)

Click here to learn more about the DDLETB Mitigating against Educational Disadvantage Fund (MAEDF)

Closing date: 27th November 2020

Contact aedinotoole@ddletbaes.ie for more information.