Biodiversity Grants Open

Opportunity to protect local plants, wildlife and habitats

Local communities are being invited to seek supports to develop or implement action plans to protect and promote plants, wildlife and habitats.

A partnership between Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service has already seen 250 communities working with expert ecologists to offer new hope to endangered species as well as the landscapes in which they live.

Central to the work are Community Biodiversity Action Plans which bring together the passion and energy of local people, farmers and landowners with the knowledge of ecologists so that the most effective actions can be identified.

This work is supported through the provision of philanthropic private funds from the Community Foundation and public funding made available from Government through the Parks and Wildlife Service.

The 2025 grant round is inviting local applications through two strands

• Support for communities seeking to draw up their own local action plan by working with an ecologist to map current species, identify actions needed and set out next steps (grants of €6,000-€11,000).

• Support for those communities which already have an action plan and are now ready to make it happen (up to €12,000).

Announcing the opening of the grant round, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD said:

“Local communities are at the heart of protecting Ireland’s natural heritage. Through these Biodiversity Supports, we are empowering people to take practical steps that will make a real difference – from safeguarding habitats to supporting the recovery of species.

This is a great collaboration between Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service, bringing together the knowledge of ecologists with the passion of communities and volunteers.

Working together, we are building a strong foundation for nature’s future, and I would encourage every community to get involved and play their part in protecting the plants, wildlife and landscapes we all treasure.”

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland added:

“Philanthropy working with Government through the National Parks and Wildlife Service has provided real leadership in addressing the crisis in nature.

Together we support communities to enhance biodiversity and address impacts on river-banks, bogs, woodlands and coastal areas including sand-dunes.

By motivating the entire community each Action Plan increases awareness of the need for action and have been proven to rally support across all age groups. This year we are delighted to confirm that a total of at least €500,000 will be made available through grants.”

Application details are available in the Apply For Funding page.

ENDS

Note to Editors

Community Foundation Ireland

Community Foundation Ireland, its donors and supporters are on a mission of Equality For All in Thriving Communities. As a philanthropic hub the Foundation works with 5,000 voluntary, community and charitable groups to achieve that mission. Since 2000 more than €160-Million in grants has been provided to communities.