Mayo arts and culture groups encouraged to apply for community funding
The Ireland Funds, the global philanthropic network, has today opened applications for its Heart of the Community Fund/Arts and Culture grant round, encouraging non-profit organisations in Mayo to apply. It will provide at least €430,000 in funding to eligible nonprofit organisations addressing local needs and strengthening communities across the island of Ireland. Arts and Culture is one of The Ireland Funds’ four key funding priorities.
Applications are open online and will remain open until 5 p.m. on Friday, October 2. Application information workshops, both in-person and online, will take place during the application period. All applications must be submitted through The Ireland Funds website here.
This grant round is being launched during The Ireland Funds' 50th anniversary year, marking five decades of philanthropy, partnership and fostering greater opportunity. The Heart of the Community Fund is designed to deliver practical, flexible support to projects working at the heart of their communities. It enables them to respond to local needs, strengthen their capacity and extend the reach and impact of their work, creating a positive legacy.
Grants of between €5,000 and €25,000 will be awarded through this open call grant round. Applications are invited from arts and culture organisations working to promote, preserve and develop all art forms, as well as community organisations seeking support for community-based arts programmes or projects.
Arts and culture organisations may apply for core funding to support their ongoing activities and operations. Community organisations applying for an arts-based programme must set out how the funding will be used, with all expenditure relating directly to the programme or project for which support is sought.
Caitriona Fottrell, President and CEO of The Ireland Funds, said: “The Ireland Funds is committed to expanding access to the arts, supporting creative practice and protecting Ireland’s cultural heritage. Across the island, arts organisations and community groups enrich lives, strengthen identity and bring people together while responding to local needs.
“Through this Heart of the Community Fund grant round, we want to provide flexible and practical support that helps these organisations sustain their work, develop new ideas and extend their impact within the communities they serve. As The Ireland Funds marks its 50th anniversary year, this funding reflects the enduring commitment of our donors and partners to investing in communities and helping important organisations build for the future.”
This is the second round of funding made available by The Ireland Funds Heart of the Community Fund in 2026. Earlier in the year, €858,000 in grants were awarded to organisations in 21 counties across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. These grants supported education, innovation, youth development, disability services, literacy, community resilience, and social inclusion.
Further information, application guidelines and access to the application portal are available here.