The Heritage Council has launched the 2026 Community Heritage Grant Scheme and is inviting applications from community organisations throughout Galway.
Grants of between €800 to €25,000 are available under the Scheme, which supports local initiatives that protect, share, and celebrate the built, natural and cultural heritage that matters to communities nationwide.
The scheme supports not?for?profit groups, including non-governmental organisations, and community and voluntary groups, to deliver projects that make heritage more inclusive, promote good practice, and strengthen sustainability.
The annual scheme supports a wide variety of heritage projects, from practical conservation work to skills development and public engagement. Eligible projects include conservation management plans, surveys, and reports; conservation works to biodiversity sites, historic structures, objects, or collections; and hands?on heritage skills workshops.
The scheme also supports collections care and biodiversity projects, the creation of digital heritage resources, and the purchase of specialised conservation equipment.
The variety of applicants that successfully secured funding in 2025 in Galway demonstrates the positive impact the scheme has across the heritage field.
These included Killogilleen Conservation Works from the Killogilleen Graveyard Committee, the Conservation Management Plan for Tuam’s 19th-century Cornmill from the Mill Museum Trust, Tuam, and the Mannion Clan Historical Trail from the Mannion Clan Association.
Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive Officer of the Heritage Council, said, “The Community Heritage Grant Scheme is one of the most important ways we support local stewardship of Ireland’s heritage. Each year, we see community groups bring extraordinary creativity in developing ways to care for and promote the places, stories, and natural environments that matter to them.
“This scheme empowers people to take meaningful action, whether that be restoring a historic structure, conserving biodiversity, or creating new ways for the public to connect with their local heritage. We are continually inspired by the ambition of these projects, and we look forward to supporting communities across the country once again in 2026.”
Galway City Council Heritage Officer Jim Higgins said, “Galway City’s heritage is woven into its waterways, medieval architecture, and vibrant cultural traditions. This Scheme gives local groups the resources and confidence to care for these places and stories.
“Whether they aim to conserve collections, restore a historic structure, document community heritage, or develop creative digital engagement tools, this funding can make a real and lasting difference. I strongly encourage groups across the city to consider applying.”
Galway County Council Heritage Officer, Marie Mannion added, “County Galway’s heritage is defined by the strength of its communities, the richness of its landscapes, and the depth of its cultural traditions.
“This Scheme empowers local groups to protect what makes their place unique, whether conserving historic buildings, safeguarding biodiversity, recording oral histories, or developing innovative digital heritage projects. It provides the practical support needed to turn community commitment into sustained, long-term impact. I strongly encourage groups across the county to come forward with projects that reflect the diversity, ambition, and pride of our shared heritage.”
Applications must be submitted via the Heritage Council’s online grants management system by 8:00pm on Friday, March 20. Successful projects must be completed by Friday, November 13.
A Webinar on the application process is available on the Heritage Council’s website.
For more information, visit: https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/funding/community-heritage-grant-scheme-2
