Call for Meath's Covid hit charities to get budget break

Budget 2021 should be used to support Meath charities, community and voluntary organisations facing a surge in demand for services and a fall in donations as a result of Covid-19, according to The Community Foundation for Ireland.

In a pre-budget submission, the Foundation which will provide €16m in grants to community groups nationally this year, says straight forward measures in both the budget and the Finance Bill could provide an important lifeline of support to groups working with vulnerable people throughout Meath.

The Community Foundation for Ireland, which has supported communities for over 20-years, says more than half of the groups it works with are facing difficulties. It says services such as meals and wheels, mental health supports as well as services for those with disabilities and older people in Meath all need help so that they can continue to offer a lifeline.

The Foundation is making two recommendations to government including to ensure all donations intended for communities go to communities by removing the administrative burden of tax relief for donations over €5,000 from charities to donors. This is the only outstanding recommendation of the 2012 Forum on Philanthropy Report on Major Gift Incentive.

To reduce the Capital Acquisitions Tax on donations from inheritances on a € for € basis.

Announcing the publication of the submission, Denise Charlton, CEO said:

“The Covid-19 pandemic has created a perfect storm for the charity, community and voluntary sectors with hugely increased demands for services and supports coinciding with a drop in donations, gifts and funding. We see this in Meath, in rural and urban areas and among people of all ages. The impact is indiscriminate.

"Budget 2021 and the Finance Bill are opportunities for Government to address the shortfalls in financial support by taking imaginative measures which would address long-term sustainability and planning by encouraging larger donations.

"We are circulating our submission to all TDs in Meath, those in Government and those in opposition, with an offer to enter into constructive dialogue on how we can ensure communities, can get through the current difficulties and thrive”