Apply for Funding

Do you represent a community or organisation looking to make a positive change? We love to talk to and partner with groups of people who share our mission of equality for all in thriving communities.

Once we start the conversation there are a number of funding options which we can discuss with you to see which partnership might work best.

Projects should align with at least one of the pillars supporting our equality mission: Sustainable Futures, Inclusive Communities, Empowering Generations or Accelerating Change.

Open Grant Rounds

Community Foundation Ireland runs a series of Open Grant rounds throughout the year. As each round opens we will release more information on eligibility and criteria. How it works:

You see an Open Grant round which fits with the aim of your project or the people you are supporting.

You submit a proposal for funding. The criteria for assessment are published as part of this.

You will receive notification on whether your application for funding was successful.

Grants from Donors

Individuals, families, charities, and corporates who want to support our communities work with Community Foundation Ireland to decide on organisations to support.

Donors set up an account with us, called a Donor-Advised Fund, and then select organisations that align with their charitable goals for support.

Organisations may be contacted by Community Foundation Ireland if a donor has selected them for a grant award or is interested in considering a grant proposal from them.

Impact Grants

In specific cases, Community Foundation Ireland may invite an organisation to submit a grant proposal, or select an organisation for a grant award, where the grantee’s activities further the Foundation’s strategy and charitable purpose.

Eligibility Checklist

In order to be eligible for any type of grant from Community Foundation Ireland, applicants must provide at minimum:

Governing Document

A governing document (a Constitution or Memorandum & Articles of Association)

Bank Details

A bank statement where the account matches the name of the applicant. We cannot fund individuals; bank statements must be in the name of the organisation.

Extras

Additional documents may be necessary for larger grants.

Open Grants

Our Biodiversity Fund is now open for applications. There are two strands to this year’s grant round:

1- We are inviting community groups to apply for a grant to engage an ecologist and develop a Community Biodiversity Action Plan (CBAP) for their local area. Please find a link to the application form in our Criteria document here.

2- We are inviting any organisation who has a CBAP to apply for funding to implement recommendations contained in it. Please find a link to the application form in our Criteria document here.

This grant round closes on Friday 13^th October at 4pm. Please read the Criteria documents carefully before applying and check our FAQ document here. You can also access a Resource Pack here for more information on the Fund itself, along with general biodiversity tools and resources. Email info@foundation.ie if you have any queries.

Chat With Us

Partnership starts with good conversations.

If you are located in Ireland and would like to be considered for an Impact Grant or a Donor-Advised Fund grant, please begin by registering for our ‘Chat with Community Foundation Ireland’.

You’ll have the opportunity to speak to someone on our Grants Team, who may invite a proposal if your work aligns with our grant opportunities.