The White Paper on a Framework for Supporting Voluntary Activity and for Developing the Relationship between the State and the Community and Voluntary Sector was published in September 2000.
The White Paper is concerned with the nature of the relationship between the Community and the Voluntary sector and the State and with structures and other elements that underpin that relationship. Its aim is to provide a more cohesive framework of support and encouragement for the Community and Voluntary sector. It gives formal recognition to the partnership ethos that informs much of the working relationship between the two sectors, while recognising the differences between them. It notes that not all voluntary organisations want a working relationship with the statutory side.
Funding To Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector
The White Paper commits the Government to provide a range of funding measures to support the Community and Voluntary Sector. In the period 2003 – 2007 funding is being provided to Federations, Networks and Umbrella Bodies, to National Anti-Poverty Networks and for a scheme of funding for training and support in the community and voluntary sector.
New Funding Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector from January 2008
A new funding scheme to support national organisations in the community and voluntary sector was announced in May 2007. This scheme will amalgamate a number of previous schemes. The closing date for applications was 22 June 2007. Applications were invited from community and voluntary organisations that operate at a national level with evidence of a nationwide membership. This scheme is to provide multi-annual funding to such national organisations towards core costs associated with the provision of services. Priority is to be given under this scheme to supporting national organisations which provide coalface services to disadvantaged target groups. The new scheme will commence in January 2008 when existing funding schemes cease.
A list of Successful National Organisations is available on the following
http://www.pobail.ie/en/PressReleases/2007/December/file,8771,en.doc