Help to fill forms brings €3 million to Laois community groups

The simple task of helping Laois community groups fill out grant applications has had a dramatic effect on the level of money coming into the county to help volunteers.

In 2022, Laois community groups and clubs received €1 million in funding, but by 2024 it had quadrupled to €4 million. In 2024 alone, it soared by 50%.

It is all down to the step by step help on paperwork given to members by Laois Public Private Partnership (PPN). The partnership formed in 2014 and now has nearly 700 registered groups with over 51,000 people.

It gives them much more than advice on grants however.

Dan Bergin is the co-ordinator of Laois PPN.

"We are the main link between Laois County Council and hundreds of community groups. We are one of the top performing PPNs in Ireland.

"We represent the communities, and we give free training and information on funding to them. Last year we elected 17 representatives to take part in decision making such as in the Strategic Policy Committees (SPCs). We send out a monthly newsletter. We visit schools to educate children about the local authority, and we takes part in Heritage Week. We collaborate with the council for Laois Connects Week.

"We provide the tools to make communities better places to live. We find the funding opportunities, we take part in public consultations," he said.

They also organise the annual Laois Community and Voluntary Awards, to give recognition to the hard work of volunteers across Laois.  See pictures from the 2024 awards event here. 

"I am blown away with the great community spirit in Laois," he said.

Read also: Laois County Council buying derelict cinema with new use planned

Their value came to the fore during the Covid pandemic, which hit from 2020 until 2023.

"We had 50 groups involved on an interactive map shared with Laois County Council's helpdesk, within two days of the pandemic starting, and later over 100 groups. People as far as the US could link to elderly parents at home," he said.

Mr Bergin gave an update on their work, to the May meeting of Laois County Council.

Councillors praised their work.

Cllr Paddy Buggy said he spent almost 10 years volunteering in Laois PPN. 

"One of our biggest achievements is the amount of money that came into the county, from groups knowing how to fill in application forms. Most people are volunteers in clubs. They don't all know how to do the paperwork. To help people do that is a great achievement. I am very proud to have been a former member," Cllr Paddy Buggy said.

Cllr James Kelly said Laois PPN is "a vital, integral part of the county".

"Any group that comes to us, the first thing we ask for is their PPN number, if you haven't you can't apply for funding. This is about coming together for the good of Laois. We have 700 community groups in the county, you have instilled a sense of pride," he said.

PICTURES: Buzz in Laois for World Bee Day with Laois PPN

Cllr Marie Tuohy said they provide much information and willingness to help groups.

"You spend so much time walking people through applications and grants, that can ensure the lifespan of groups," she said.

"All groups and clubs love funding but don't know how to get it," noted Cllr John King.

Cllr Barry Walsh said that Laois PPN was a big help with the governance was a great help to setting up Ballyroan Community Development Association.

Laois PPN office is in Lyster Square Portlaoise. Email them at ppn@laoiscoco.ie or phone (057) 866 5661