The Community Foundation for Ireland has submitted the following to Government in advance of the budget. Click here to download the full submission.
For over two-decades The Community Foundation for Ireland has held true to its mission of equality for all in thriving communities. It is a mission which is as important now as it was at the start, as we respond to the Covid-19 Pandemic and its economic impacts. In 2020 our support for communities will top €16m, an unprecedented figure prompted by a challenge like we have never seen before. While Covid-19 has required us all to change our lives and our routines, it also disproportionately impacts the vulnerable. Older people, people with disabilities, those who struggle to make ends meet, those trapped in violent relationships and many others have borne the brunt of the isolation and loneliness caused by the restrictions needed to keep us all save.
For them hope, support and help often comes from charities, community and voluntary groups. Meals on Wheels, newly developed virtual supports, neighbours who will make a run to the shop or pharmacies are literally lifelines.Yet the upsurge in demand for such supports is happening at a time when fundraising has been largely shutdown or very severely reduced. Charity shops have had their doors closed, there are no street collections while fears over household incomes have also hit online donations. Half of the groups we support are reporting problems. It is time now for Government to take overdue steps to address these concerns. By doing so it will not only help in the immediate emergency but will ensure that our essential community services can plan and prepare for whatever the future may have in store.