Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2027 now open for applications for Leitrim projects

The Heritage Council has announced that the Expression of Interest stage for its Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2027 is open, with community groups in Co. Leitrim encouraged to apply for funding to protect, share and celebrate the heritage that matters to their local community.

The popular annual scheme supports community groups, voluntary organisations and not-for-profit non-governmental organisations. In Co. Leitrim, this could include projects focused on historic buildings, local biodiversity, traditional skills, archives and collections, digital heritage, oral histories, community-led conservation, access initiatives or other activities that help people engage with the heritage on their doorstep.

Over 680 community projects have been supported through the Community Heritage Grant Scheme since 2022, with more than €9 million in funding awarded to projects across the country.

Last year, the Kilbride Church and Restoration in Co. Leitrim received funding through the scheme, securing €25,000 in support for the conservation of Kilbride Church and Graveyard.

In 2027, the scheme will operate through a two stage application process designed to make applying simpler and more efficient. At Stage One, applicants will submit a short Expression of Interest outlining their project idea. Detailed budgets, quotations and supporting documents will not be required at this stage.

Shortlisted projects will then be invited to submit a detailed Stage Two application for assessment with winning applications receiving grants between €800 to €25,000.

The Expression of Interest stage will close on 16 October 2026, with applicants notified of the outcome in November 2026. Invited applicants will then be able to submit full applications between November 2026 and January 2027, with funding decisions expected in Spring 2027.

The new approach is intended to reduce the amount of work required at the initial stage, allow groups to test project ideas before investing significant time in a full application. It will also provide earlier feedback on whether a project is likely to be competitive under the scheme.

Applications will be invited under five themes - Heritage at Risk, Biodiversity and Nature Restoration, Traditional Skills and Conservation, Digital Heritage, Access and Storytelling, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

“The Community Heritage Grant Scheme is a really important opportunity for communities with a passion for nature and heritage, with €9m invested in 680 projects across the country since 2022,” Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Christopher O’Sullivan TD stated.

“Whether it’s protecting a historic building, restoring wildlife and habitats, capturing stories from around the locality or celebrating the diversity of traditional crafts and skills, I’d like to encourage eligible groups, voluntary organisations and not-for-profit organisations across the country to get their expressions of interest into the Heritage Council,” he added.

“It’s a new process this year, so make sure you’re up to date on how to apply and, crucially, the deadlines. I wish all prospective applicants the best of luck and look forward to visiting some of the successful projects next year,” the Minister continued.

Virginia Teehan, CEO of the Heritage Council, stressed the importance of the grant scheme.

“The Community Heritage Grant Scheme is one of the most important ways we support local communities to care for the heritage that matters to them. Heritage is often most meaningful when it is part of everyday life, whether through the places people visit, the traditions they keep alive or the stories that connect them to their local area,” she stated.

“Through this scheme, we want to help communities build on those connections and turn local interest, knowledge and pride into practical projects. That includes work to protect heritage at risk, respond to climate and biodiversity challenges, pass on traditional skills, improve access and storytelling, and make local heritage more accessible to everyone,” Ms Teehan added.

“By introducing a two stage application process, we want to reduce practical barriers for groups and make it easier for strong ideas to come forward and develop into projects with lasting local impact,” she continued.

Co. Leitrim Heritage Officer, Sarah Malone, stated that the grant scheme is a practical way for groups in the county to develop projects.

“People across Co. Leitrim pass and engage with local heritage every day, whether that be a woodland, a townland name, a landmark building, a shoreline, a family tradition or a story shared by a neighbour. These are the connections that make heritage meaningful, and they are also the starting point for strong community projects,” she commented.

“We know that community groups play a vital role in protecting and sharing local heritage, but we also know that getting involved can sometimes feel daunting or difficult without the right support. The Community Heritage Grant Scheme is a practical way to help groups in Co. Leitrim turn local knowledge and local pride into projects for people now and for future generations,” she stated.

To apply for the community heritage grant scheme please visit heritagecouncil.ie