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 for biodiversity sites, places, collections, or objects—including buildings.
• 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.

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)
• Your group must be set up for the benefit of the community, not for commercial gain
• Museum Standards Programme for Ireland (MSPI) participants (non governmental organisations only)
• Adopt a Monument Programme participants

The applicant group must have a current bank/credit union account in their name.

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

Zoom Information Webinar

A Zoom information webinar scheme will be held on Thursday, 19th February 2026 at 11.30 AM.

Irish Sign Language (ISL) Interpretation will be provided at the webinar.

Registration link

How and when to apply

Please note: online applications only – we can’t accept submissions by post or email.

• Deadline: 8:00 PM on 20 March 2026: To keep things fair for everyone, late applications or documents submitted after this time won’t be accepted.

• Notification: We’ll contact you in writing via the online grants system in mid-May 2026 to let you know the outcome.

• One application per organisation: Each organisation can submit just one application to this scheme.

• One grant per organisation in 2026: If your application is successful, your organisation cannot receive funding under any other Heritage Council grant scheme in 2026.

Useful resources for heritage projects

We have put together a list of resources here, which we hope you find helpful when planning and developing your heritage. project. These include ideas for project promotion, access and inclusion, good heritage advice guidance etc.

Digitisation Grant Application Guidelines

Please note that digitisation projects will only be considered with evidence that the collection has been catalogued already or will be catalogued as part of your proposal.

Queries about the application pack

We request that, where possible, all communications are sent to us electronically so that we will be in a position to receive and respond more promptly [email protected]

Application deadline: Friday 20th March 2026 at 8pm.