Application Form

Guidelines
 

Background:

The objective of the Scheme is to recognise the work of the community and voluntary sector that seeks to improve the Social, Economic, Cultural and Environmental quality of life in our local communities. ....

In this recognition it is intended that the crucial role of the work of volunteerism in County Kerry be recognised. It is intended that these awards will acknowledge existing contributions and encourage more people to become involved in making County Kerry a better place to live.

In addition there are two special prizes:
Youth Award
A special Award to celebrate the difference young people can make when they work together on a project, which tackles issues of social concern in their communities. The aim of the award is to recognise and reward young people involved in voluntary work.
Awards for Groups from Gaeltacht Areas
A special Award for Groups from the Gaeltacht areas in Co. Kerry. 

In both of these awards the winning project will be chosen from the entries across the six categories.

Application to the Awards Scheme must be made on the official Application Form. Please submit three copies in addition to the original Application Form. Applications must be submitted by the closing dates outlined above. The number of Awards will be limited. Three finalists from each category will be featured in The Kerryman each month. These three projects will then go forward to the final selection in April 2009 where Category Award winners, runners up and the overall Award will be presented. Awards Banquet will be held on Thursday, 2nd April 2009.
The total prize fund is over €40,000.
Submit project details using the official Application Form (+ three copies) and any other additional relevant material. Constitutions, Articles of Association and photographs are welcomed but not necessary. Both small and large projects will be given equal consideration. Projects will be judged on impact.

Rules and Conditions:

1.    Eligible groups must be independent and not for profit, involved in activities of a public nature, which benefit a community from a particular geographic area or a community based on common interest.

2.    Groups/organisations entering the Awards Scheme must be registered members of the Kerry County Community & Voluntary Forum's Register of Community & Voluntary Groups.

3.   This Award Scheme is confined to community and voluntary groups/organisations not individuals.

4.   These groups/organisations must have been in existence for at least one year.  Successful groups/organisations must be in existence at the time of the grant of the Award.

5.      The Awards Scheme is confined to community and voluntary organisations/groups operating within the administrative area of County Kerry.

6.   The Award Scheme relates to projects or services in a local area already completed or in progress not for intended future plans of the group/organisation. 

7.    Information submitted by a group/organisation must relate to the specific project submitted.  (e.g. financial details or budget for that project)

8.    Applicants must show that the methods engaged in to move their work-plans forward are based on local consultation in response to an identified need.

9.    Groups/Organisations should display best practice in the achievement of their objectives.

10.  Applicants must choose the most appropriate category to enter as each project can only be entered into one category.  If groups are involved in a number of projects it is possible to enter other projects under the appropriate category.

11.  Finalists must be prepared to allow the adjudication panel to meet with the group/organisation regarding the project/service.

12.  Assessment of applications by the adjudication panel will be on the basis of details and information provided on the Application Form and other details that the applicant chooses to submit.  The adjudication panel may at their discretion take steps they deem necessary to verify or otherwise confirm details or information contained on the application form.

13.  Only applications submitted on an official application form will be accepted.

14.  The decision of the adjudication panel will be final.  The organisers will not enter into any correspondence or discussion regarding the result.  The organisers will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by an entrant to the scheme.

15.  Entries must be submitted to the address below on/before the dates which will be advertised for each category in “The Kerryman”.

16.  If you have further queries please contact one of the following:         

Ms. Siobhán Griffin, Kerry County Community & Voluntary Forum
Ph. 066 7183680
Ms. Mairead Downey, Kerry County Council,
Ph. 066 7183680

Completed entries should be returned to:

Kerry Community Awards,
Kerry County Community & Voluntary Forum,
Kerry County Council,
Áras Chontae,
Tralee,
Co. Kerry.