Speaking this week to CatholicNews.ie, Ceire Sadlier (pictured), Grants Officer with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference, said, “I strongly encourage parishes around Ireland to contact me to ascertain if there are funding opportunities available for local projects. In my experience, there are plenty of opportunities for parish funding of capital projects, heritage and conservation projects, biodiversity projects, energy efficiency projects, support to vulnerable people and international protection applicants. Such initiatives give confidence to local parishioners about the Church’s presence for future generations, while at the same time supporting the mission of the Church.”
Some of the opportunities that are currently available for parish funding around Ireland, are outlined below:
- Benefact Trust: Rolling, but everyone is encouraged to apply now if they have a project planned/ currently doing a project which is not complete. Parishes are encouraged to apply to Benefact Trust for every capital project; funding is between 5 – 10% of project costs. Click here to apply for this grant
- SEAI – vouchers for energy audits: If parishes are thinking of getting a new heating system, solar panels, insulation, LED lighting, consider getting a voucher which will cover the costs of an energy audit – guidelines and sample attached. Having the audit will help with planning and accessing grants.
- SEAI – grants for energy efficiency projects: Potential grants for energy efficiency projects in churches and parish halls. Click here to apply for this grant.
- Heritage Keepers: The Heritage Keepers Programme is open to community groups and primary schools from all across Ireland. Groups or classes will participate in 5 weekly workshops, each lasting approximately 2 hours. At the end of the programme, a group or class will plan a project that promotes or preserves an aspect of your local built, cultural, or natural heritage. Heritage Keepers can also provide a grant towards completing this action. Applicants can also apply for an additional grant which allows a group or class to organise its own field-trip to a heritage site in their area. This grant can be put towards travel costs or the hiring of an expert to guide the trip. All Heritage Keepers workshops will be workshops will be held online, apart from a number of schools in The Burren which will be delivered in person. To apply for this grant click here
- Biodiversity Fund 2024 (closes 25 October ) – grants for community biodiversity projects – religious activities are not eligible, but it is a good option for village/town/community biodiversity projects that include parish land. To apply for this grant click here.
- Community Recognition Fund 2024/2025 – check with your local council for local grant deadlines – e.g. Dun Laoghaire Rathdown reopening Nov/Dec. Capital projects €50,000 to support communities to welcome international protection applicants. Click here to apply.
- Mercy Ministry Fund: (Kerry and West Cork): Up to €8,000. The Mercy Ministry Fund was established by the Sisters of Mercy to support groups which help to improve the lives of the most vulnerable in their local communities. Funding of up to €8,000 is provided to charitable groups/organisations in Kerry & West Cork. The fund focuses on specific areas of need: Educational Disadvantage; Addiction; Domestic Violence; Homelessness Social and/or Ecological Injustice. To apply click here.
- Energia Derryvallagh Community Fund (Sligo/Roscommon/Leitrim): Energia has launched a Community Benefit Fund to support community and voluntary groups operating within a 5 km radius of its Derrysallagh wind farm on the border of Counties Sligo, Roscommon and Leitrim. Groups from Glen, Ballyfarnon, Geevagh and Arigna are being encouraged to apply. Grants of up to €3,000 are available for projects benefitting the community around the Derrysallagh windfarm. Energia will provide general support to non-profit organisations for activities such as training programmes, social enterprise development, community events etc. (not for religious activities). Click here to apply.
- Community Climate Action Fund: Applicants should get in touch with their local council for information on the next round of Community Climate Action Fund grants – e.g. Waterford County Council (funding for insulation; LED; solar panels; biodiversity; bike racks; composting; electric car chargers, etc.)
- Conservation grants: some councils are still open for conservation grant applications – e.g. Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, closing 25 October . Applicants should check with their local council. To apply click here.
For more information and support applying for these grants, contact Ms Sadlier on [email protected]
ENDS
