Kildare County Council is inviting community groups, artists, clubs and organisations to apply for funding through its Brigid 1500 Community and Creative Grant Scheme, established to support initiatives that echo the values of Ireland’s patroness saint.
The Brigid 1500 programme was created to celebrate and commemorate St. Brigid, “a woman, a life, a legacy” in a broad and rich way, with 2024 being the second year of the grant scheme.
Applications for the grant scheme have now opened, with funding available for a range of activities and projects that celebrate Brigid 1500 including creative projects, biodiversity projects, heritage projects, performances and more.
The scheme will prioritise community groups, artists, clubs and other relevant organisations delivering projects in partnership with local communities.
Projects which previously received funding under the grant scheme include ‘Willow Workshops’ – an initiative that brings together members of the Irish Wheelchair Association and participants from the local community to create willow crafts – and a grant allocation to students in St. Evin’s School in Monasterevin to create a large textile stained glass window wall hanging that is symbolic of St. Brigid.
Commenting on the grant scheme, Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Kildare County Council said:
“Kildare County Council is delighted to once again coordinate a host of exciting and diverse projects honouring all aspects of Brigid’s life and influence. Brigid has many different legacies; religious, historic, cultural, artistic, symbolic, inspirational and feminist and her name is closely associated with nature, folklore, emigration and peace. We are passionate about raising awareness of and celebrating Brigid – a trailblazing woman famously connected to Kildare. We are thrilled to reopen the grant scheme and welcome eligible individuals and groups to apply for funding.”
The Brigid 1500 programme hopes to reach half a million in creative and community projects by the end of 2024.
Applications from all aspects of the story of Brigid are welcome, promoting inclusion and celebrating the increasing diversity of the Kildare community.
The maximum funding award is €5,000. The closing date for receipt of application is November 10, 2023 at 5pm.
For further information see www.brigid1500.ie, email brigid1500@kildarecoco.ie or call 045 980653.