A reminder that the closing date is the 20th March 2026. Details available at:
https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/funding/community-heritage-grant-scheme-2
Details:
An annual grant scheme for community groups and not-for-profit non-governmental organisations to protect, share, and celebrate the heritage that matters to your community.
This scheme is intended to enable communities and heritage non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to continue their work on existing heritage projects or to start new initiatives.
A broad range of project types are eligible for funding under the scheme including:
- Conservation management plans, surveys, and reports
- Conservation works to buildings, biodiversity sites, places, collections, or objects. Can be phased works.
- Workshops and training events that build heritage skills
- Collections management and biodiversity projects
- Digital resources that help make heritage more accessible
- Purchase of specialised equipment for conservation
In addition to these activities, every project must host an event (in-person) during National Heritage Week. This event gives you a chance to share your work with the public and highlight why your project is important. Your event should be accessible, welcoming, and linked directly to the work you’re doing under the grant.
What projects are NOT covered in this grant scheme?
The Community Heritage Grant Scheme does not fund:
✘ Privately owned heritage (without public access)
Projects involving private property or collections must clearly benefit the public and be meaningfully accessible.
✘ Traditional information boards or signage
We don’t fund traditional information boards, panels, or permanent signs under this scheme. Instead, we encourage projects to share heritage in engaging and accessible ways that help more people connect with it, including those with visual, sensory, cognitive, or literacy differences.
✘ New memorials or structures
Funding is not available for new plaques, sculptures, replicas, memorials, or other new installations. The scheme supports existing heritage only.
✘ Printed materials
Publications, brochures, and leaflets are not funded. Digital or low-waste alternatives are encouraged.
✘ Amenity or landscaping works
General upgrades to public spaces such as car parks, benches, lighting, landscaping or bins are not eligible.
✘ Conferences or seminars
Talk-based events are not eligible. Instead, we support hands-on, practical learning led by skilled practitioners.
✘ Archaeological excavations
Excavations, post-excavation analysis, and reporting are not funded.
✘ DNA projects
DNA analysis projects are not eligible at this time.
✘ Primary school projects
Projects for primary schools are not funded. See the our Heritage in Schools programme for relevant supports.
✘ Completed or ongoing projects
We don’t fund work which is already completed or underway. Work must take place between May and November.
✘ Public sector responsibilities
Projects that are part of a public body’s statutory or core duties cannot be funded.
✘ Third-level academic projects
Work that forms part of undergraduate or postgraduate study (including PhDs) is not eligible.
Who can apply?
The scheme is open to:
- Community or voluntary groups or clubs for example parish councils, tidy Towns groups, local action groups etc.
- NGOs (non-governmental organisations)
- Not-for-profit CLGs
The applicant group must have a current bank/credit union account in their name. Payments in excess of €10,000 will require a tax clearance certificate.
The Scheme is not open to
- Individuals
- Businesses and commercial enterprises
- Public bodies (such as a government departments, local authorities, and state agencies)
Scheme Guidance Documentation
Community Heritage Grant Scheme Guidance 2026PDF (882.51 KB)
Community Heritage Grant Scheme Guidance 2026 appendixPDF (196.217 KB)
Zoom Information Webinar
A Zoom information webinar scheme was held on Thursday, 19th February 2026. The recording is viewable below.
View the presentation slides from the webinar