Communities Invited to Protect Nature

New Grant Round to Support Biodiversity Action

 

Communities are being invited to apply for funding to protect and restore local biodiversity through a new grant round from Community Foundation Ireland and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.

Two women and a man bird-watching on the coast of Dublin. Dressed in outdoor clothes and hat, Deirdre Lynn of the National Parks and wildlife service is holding binoculars. Standing in middle of group with a big outdoor coat is Minister Christopher O'Sullivan, also standing next to him with binoculars which she is holding aloft is Moninne Griffith of the Community Foundation. All three are standing in coastal grasses about knee high.
Deirdre Lynn of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, with Minister of State Christopher O’Sullivan TD and Moninne Griffith of the Community Foundation.

300 Communities

More than 300 communities are already taking part in the initiative, delivering local projects that support forests, rivers, peatlands, coastal habitats and the species that depend on them.

The grants are provided through a strategic philanthropic partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, with applications now open for the 2026 funding round.

Established following the declaration of a National Biodiversity Emergency in 2019, the Biodiversity Fund has invested more than €2.5 million in helping communities work with expert ecologists to develop and implement local biodiversity action plans.

The fund has grown through support from Community Foundation Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and philanthropic partners including the Sunflower Charitable Foundation.

Funding is available under two strands:

· Biodiversity Action Plan Development Grants (€6,000 to €10,000) for communities seeking to work with an ecologist to assess local biodiversity, identify priorities and develop an action plan.

· Biodiversity Action Plan Implementation Grants (up to €12,000) for communities ready to put an existing plan into action.

The programme combines the commitment and local knowledge of communities, clubs and landowners with ecological expertise to increase understanding of local biodiversity and support practical conservation measures.

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland, said:

“Protecting nature and the environment is central to our mission.

Through the Biodiversity Fund, communities across Ireland are demonstrating how local action can deliver meaningful benefits for habitats, wildlife and biodiversity.

The 2026 grant round offers an opportunity to build on that progress and support even more communities to take action for nature.”

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan TD, said:

This Biodiversity Fund collaboration with Community Foundation Ireland is so valuable because it gets right to the heart of the action for nature: on the ground with volunteers in communities across the country.

The fact that they are benefitting from the expertise of ecologists to develop and roll out bespoke Community Biodiversity Plans also helps to ensure real impact.

I’m delighted to see this funding round open again and would encourage community groups to get involved.”

Full details, eligibility criteria and application guidance are available Here.

ENDS

Community Foundation Ireland

Community Foundation Ireland mobilises strategic philanthropy to advance equality, strengthen communities and protect nature and the environment. Working with more than 5,000 voluntary, community and charitable partners, it provides expertise, knowledge and support to ensure effective giving and lasting social impact. Since 2000, more than €170 million has been distributed in support of its mission.