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Council Minutes
December 2004
15th December 2004
Minutes of Community Initiatives Committee Meeting
15 December 2004
Community Relations Council, 6 Murray Street, Belfast
Present: Mr Michael Wardlow, Dr David Stevens, Ms Jane Leonard, Mr Barney Devine, Ms Libby Keys
In Attendance: Mr Paul Jordan, Ms Alison Montgomery, Ms Jacqueline Irwin, Ms Roisin McGuire, Ms Frances McClelland, Ms Marianne Laird (Minute Taker)
Observers: Ms Karen Jardine, Ms Jane Corderoy
Apologies: Dr Duncan Morrow, Ms Maura Muldoon
Minutes of Previous Meetings:
To be amended: - CRU representatives to be listed on minutes as observers
Mr Wardlow welcomed Jane Corderoy to the committee. Jane will be replacing Karen at CRU. Mr Wardlow wished Karen all the best with her new job and thanked her for her contribution to the committee.
Matters Arising:
Ms Montgomery informed committee that criteria for processing of slippage applications has been copied and is available for members.
Programme Report:
Mr Jordan and Ms Montgomery spoke to this report.
Mr Jordan reported that the Live Issues II Conference had gone well with very positive feedback from attendees with regards to the workshops. A conference report will issue in due course.
Mr Jordan has met with most of the research award recipients and will be meeting with a representative from Democratic Dialogue at the end of the week. Contracts have been drawn up and issued.
Ms Jardine informed committee that there will be funding available until the end of March from CRU for Core Funding evaluation.
Core Funding Renewal Applications:
Discussion arose regarding the decision making process. The following matters were discussed:
Implications of reducing grant aid - would the groups be in a position to produce quality work should grant aid be reduced or not provided at the level requested?
Groups' applications for increased grant aid or new posts in a context of no increase in the quantum of funding available.
Seeking other funders to partner CRC in giving grant aid to groups.
Funding groups for 5 years.
The need for decisions to be 'in principle' only pending assessment of other applications
Possibility of meeting groups who are applying for Core Funding to get a better feel for the groups. Mr Jordan and Ms Montgomery agreed to facilitate this in the spring time.
Irish School of Ecumenics – 05/0002
Ms Montgomery gave a brief background on the group and committee then discussed the application. The group passed the qualifying threshold score, however committee felt that they should be seeking funding from DEL or directly from Churches. The term of funding was also discussed and a maximum 2 year term agreed. Level of award to be agreed at the February meeting.
Sole Purpose Productions – 05/0003
Ms Montgomery gave a brief background on the group. Committee asked about the group's other sources of funding. Mr Jordan suggested that other groups could perhaps use the small grants scheme access Sole Purpose's work or support with project development and that this could generate a potential income stream for the organisation. Application passes the qualifying threshold but income generation models to be explored over a three year phased exit. The level of award is to be agreed at the February meeting.
Belfast Interface Project – 05/0004
Ms Montgomery gave a brief background of the group. The application passed the qualifying threshold and Committee felt that the group has developed significantly and that the Future Ways evaluation was very positive. A very strong case is made for funding of a Policy Officer or function. Ms Montgomery to discuss options for policy development with group and return for committee discussion in February.
Newtownabbey Community Relations Forum – 05/0005
Ms Montgomery gave a brief background of the group. The group passes the qualifying threshold and committee agreed that the application could be further considered in February.
The Ulster Society – 05/0006
Ms Montgomery gave a brief background of the group. The group meets the minimum qualifying threshold but raises concerns in a number of key criteria areas. Committee felt that the case for funding was not strong enough for agreement in principle at this stage and that the application should be deferred to the February meeting.
Belfast Community Theatre (Partisan Productions) – 05/0008
Ms Montgomery gave a brief background of the group. This application passes the qualifying threshold but committee felt that this group could become income generating. It was agreed that the case for increased funding had not been made. Term and level of award to be agreed in February.
Community Dialogue – 05/0009
Ms Montgomery gave a brief background on the group. The application passes the qualifying threshold but committee expressed concerns as to the management structure and financial viability of the organisation as well as the appropriateness of the posts for which funding was sought. Ms Montgomery to discuss with group and revert to committee in February.
Ballynafeigh Community Development Association – 05/0010
Ms Montgomery gave a brief background on the group. Dr Stevens raised the issue of the group's claim for rent costs. Ms Montgomery to establish if building is owned by BCDA. The application passes the qualifying threshold and term and level of award to be agreed at the February meeting.
Ashton Community Trust – 05/0011
Ms Montgomery gave a brief background on the group. Committee felt that this group requires a partner from the PUL community. This application passes the qualifying threshold and will be discussed further in February in light of applications from other North Belfast based groups.
Trademark – 05/0012
Ms Montgomery gave a brief background on the group. The application passed the qualifying threshold and will be discussed further in February.
Action Points:
Ms Montgomery to provide funding 'options' for each organisation outlining minimum and optimum levels of grant aid as well as repercussions of cessation of or reduced grant aid.
AOB:
Inter-Action Belfast have asked committee to reconsider the condition stipulated in their contract that they cannot not make any further applications to the small grant scheme for 12 months. Committee agreed to remove the condition and Interaction can apply if they need to.
Counteract – committee agreed to the request of the organisation to initiate a recruitment process for a director for a 12 – 15 month period.
Date of Next Meeting:
Thursday 24th February 2005 – All day meeting in Dungannon
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