Apply for Funding

Do you represent a community or organisation looking to make a positive change? We love to talk to and partner with organisations who share our mission of Equality For All in Thriving Communities.

We provide funding in a number of ways. Through open rounds, closed rounds, through being matched with a donor or through our own foundation funds. You can see more detail about each of these avenues below.

We always aim to be transparent and realistic with organisations seeking funding. We will endeavour to clearly state if we think we can help you with funding, or if we are unable to assist you at this point in time.

How We Provide Funding- 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. Sign up to our Newsletter to get information about our grant rounds as they open.

1. Check Eligibility

You may see an Open Grant round advertised on our website which aligns with the work of your organisation. Make sure to check the criteria so your application is eligible.

2. Submit proposal

You can submit a proposal for funding through our online Grants Portal. You should also upload information and documents about your organisation too.

3. Funding Application Updates & Expected Timelines Provided!

You will receive notification on whether your application for funding was successful or unsuccessful. We will publish the expected timelines so you can know when you might find out.

Apply for funding via our Grants Portal here

Open Grants

Apply Now

Grant Support from our Donors

Most of our grants are through our Open Grant Rounds, but we also provide grant funding on behalf of our network of donors.

Many of our donors are anonymous, we make every effort to align proposals with our donors’ individual interests and aspirations. Organisations may be contacted by Community Foundation Ireland if a donor is interested in considering an application from them, or if they have selected them for a grant award.

Staff at the Foundation often recommend organisations in our network to our donors for them to support.

If you have been invited to submit an application you can access our Grants Portal HERE

Read our Grants Portal FAQs and resources HERE

Community Connect

Community Foundation Ireland has a small amount of flexible funding available, so in some specific cases, we may be able to provide support to an organisation that reaches out and requests funding for a particular project or programme. Organisations should first book a Community Connect meeting with a member of staff at the Foundation to see if your project is likely to be funded. After that, we will request an application through our online Grants Portal.

Organisations are welcome to book a 20 minute time slot to meet with a member of our team. Groups can ask for support and assistance on a variety of issues relating to our funding, such as:

Advice on the criteria for open grant rounds and whether their group is eligible
Talking through an idea for a new project
Help with how the application process works and being donor ready

Book a Community Connect meeting with a member of staff HERE.

Stay up to date

Be the first to hear about our work, new grant rounds and other updates.

Reach out to us at info@foundation.ie