Community Development
About Community Development (SICAP)
The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2023-2027 is co-funded by the Irish Government and the European Social Fund Plus. Its core purpose is to tackle poverty, social exclusion, and long-term unemployment by strengthening the capacity of communities to identify their own needs and take collective action to address them.
DLDC delivers SICAP across County Donegal using a community development approach built from the ground up. Rather than imposing solutions from outside, we work alongside local committees, volunteers, and community leaders to build the skills, structures, and confidence needed to create lasting change from within. This means supporting groups to become better organised, more effective, and more capable of advocating for the people they represent.
SICAP is open to community groups, voluntary organisations, and individuals across County Donegal who are experiencing disadvantage or working to address it in their area. No formal referral is needed. Contact our team directly to find out how we can support your group or community.
How We Can Help
Our Community Development team is based across County Donegal, with officers working locally to build relationships with groups and organisations in their areas. We offer practical, hands-on support that meets communities where they are and grows with them over time.
Whether your group is newly formed and finding its feet, or an established organisation looking to strengthen its governance and expand its impact, we can provide the guidance and resources to help you move forward. Our approach is always collaborative, with your group’s goals and community context at the centre of everything we do.
Building Community Capacity
We provide training and one-to-one support to help community groups run more effectively. This includes committee skills training covering meeting management and budgeting, support with developing work and activity plans, and guidance on strategic planning. We also help groups connect with government programmes and schemes that can further strengthen their work and extend their reach within the community.
Governance, Compliance and Funding
We support community organisations in meeting their legal and regulatory obligations, providing guidance on governance best practice, charity regulation, and registration with the Charities Regulator. We also offer practical assistance with sourcing and applying for funding, helping groups identify suitable opportunities and put their best case forward. For organisations considering CLG registration or working towards compliance with the Charity Regulator’s Governance Code, our team can guide you through every step of the process.
Documentation
Team
Martin McDevitt
Community Development Manager
Máire Mhic Pháidín
Community Account Manager and Social Enterprise
Anne Marie Ferry
Governance and Compliance Officer
Khethiwe Ngobese
Community Development Officer
John Mburu
Community Development Project Officer
Fergal Daly
Community Development Project Officer
Nuala Diver,
Community Development Officer
Eimer Friel
Community Development Officer