Heritage grant scheme open for applications

Applications can now be made to the Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2026, writes Brian Byrne. The scheme is an annual funding programme designed to support community groups and not-for-profit NGOs in protecting, sharing, and celebrating significant local heritage. 

Aimed at enabling ongoing efforts or new initiatives, the scheme offers funding for a variety of projects, including conservation plans, biodiversity site works, workshops, collection management, digital accessibility resources, and acquisition of specialised conservation equipment. 

The deadline for applications is 20 March 2026.

Every funded project is required to host an in-person event during National Heritage Week, providing an opportunity for communities to showcase their work and emphasise its importance in a welcoming and accessible setting.

More details at this link. 

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Shopfront improvements grant open for 2026

Kildare County Council’s Shop Front Improvement Grant is again open for application for 2026. The grant supports independent businesses in enhancing their shopfronts and commercial facades. 

This helps create more welcoming, accessible, and vibrant towns and villages.

The grant offers up to €5,000 (ex VAT) or 50 per cent of eligible costs. Applications must be submitted by 29 May 2026, and work must commence only after approval.

Details and application here. 

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Kilcullen groups get enhancement grants

Three Kilcullen organisations have benefited to a total of €4,220 under the Kildare County Council Local Enhancement Programme 2025, writes Brian Byrne. The allocations were made by the Local Community Development Committee.

Kilcullen Town Hall & Heritage Centre has been allocated €2,979, Kilcullen Bridge Cinema €625, and the 9th Kildare Kilcullen Scouts €616.

The LEP is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and a total of €233,001 was available this year. Applications could be made to support either Capital and Equipment, the bulk of the available fund, or Running Costs.

Cllr Tracey O'Dwyer says she was delighted to see Kilcullen projects benefit from the Community Enhancement Grant. "The Kilcullen Bridge Cinema in particular has brought such joy to the entire town, and we are so fortunate in Kilcullen to have a Community Heritage Centre. They are both really worthy projects and I’m sure the funding will be put to good use. The Scouts are also a long-established part of the Kilcullen community and an important resource for families through generations."

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Sports partnership grants open

The Kildare Sports Partnership Grant Scheme 2025 is now open for application by new and existing clubs to support coaches and volunteers to develop greater participation in sports.

The target areas on which the grants are focused include Women in Sport, People with Disabilities, Training & Education, and Coaching & Training Aids.

There will be a special focus this year on volunteer recruitment and retention.

The closing date for applications is Friday, 20 June 2025, at 5pm. Applications and full information are available at this link. 

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Heydon urges sports clubs to apply for grants

The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP), the primary vehicle of the Government for supporting sports clubs and communities in developing sports infrastructure nationwide, is set to open for new applications on 17 July. 

Applicants for sports projects in Kildare can now apply for grants up to €200,000, increased from the previous maximum grant of €150,000. The maximum valid grant available for projects deemed to be of regional significance has been increased from €300,000 to €500,000.

The new round of the Sports Capital Programme will again prioritise applications from disadvantaged areas, those that target people with disabilities, and projects that share facilities amongst different organisations and sports. 

The enhancements to the scheme have been welcomed in a statement by local TD and Minister Martin Heydon, who especially points to the new provision for improvements to swimming pools. "Recognising the urgency of addressing climate change, this year's SCEP application process incorporates a focus on climate action and sustainability for the first time," he adds. "By embracing sustainable practices, our sports clubs can contribute to a greener future while enhancing their facilities for the benefit of all."

Minister Heydon strongly encourage all sports clubs and community groups in Kildare to apply for the SCEP grants. "I happy to assist any group that requires assistance with their applications," he concludes.

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KCC Grant schemes now open

Kildare County Council Grant Schemes for Community, Festival, and Residents Associations are now open for application.

Links to the guidelines and application are as follows.

Community Grants, open to all groups engaged in activities or projects which encourage community participation, volunteerism and which benefit communities in County Kildare.

Festival Grants, open to all voluntary groups which organise and run key festival events in County Kildare, such as community fun days, historical re-enactments, drama/musical/food festivals, intercultural days or annual parades.

Residents’ Association Grants (Local Authority Estates) for the purpose of open space maintenance.

Residents’ Association Grants (Other Estates) for the purpose of open space maintenance.

An online application system is in place for these applications. If you previously applied through the online system, please use the same e-mail and password this year. To view an online guide to the application system, please click here.

E-mail and telephone assistance are available via grants@kildarecoco.ie and (045) 980538. Applications will be accepted until Friday 10th March 2023.

In-person and online grant information sessions will take place on Tuesday 31st January and Wednesday 15th February 2023 respectively. Please save the dates and follow Kildare PPN for registration details. 

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Deadline this week for community group energy aid

A reminder that the deadline for community organisations to apply for a grant to help with their energy costs has been issued by Minister of State Martin Heydon TD.

Applications for the grant close on Friday next, 20 January, at 3pm.

The support is available through the Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS), with full details and application links here. 

The scheme is available to any community and voluntary organisation or charity that does not generate income from trading or commercial activities.

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Sports clubs grant for disability access enhancements

Image: Sport Ireland.

Sports clubs who want to begin or upgrade disability-specific activities can now get a grant of between €1,000 and €5,000 to support the process, writes Brian Byrne.

The initiative is from a €2 million ‘Sport for All’ Disability Supports Club Fund aimed at making sport even more accessible for people in communities, especially for those with a disability.

The grants can be used for education and training for making the sport available to people with a disability, for helping to deliver the programme, and for small scale equipment and infrastructure acquisition.

The scheme is open to all clubs affiliated with Sport Ireland, and can be accessed through application to the individual sport's national governing body. Application close on 1 September.

The initiative has been welcomed by Kildare South TD and Minister of State Martin Heydon who has encouraged all clubs in the county to consider it.

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Shopfront improvement grants available

Before and after at Murphy Design Kilcullen.

Applications are open for the Shop Front Improvement, Accessibility and Age Friendly Grant Scheme established by Kildare County Council to help independent business owners to improve the appearance of their shop fronts or commercial properties.

Up to €5,000 or 50pc of the costs is available under the scheme, which will close on 31 May 2022 or when the fund is exhausted, whichever comes first. 

Particular emphasis should be on works to enhance accessibility or to add age-friendly elements to the premises.

This funding is being provided in recognition of the fact that a building’s facade makes a big impact on our town centres. They help form people’s first impressions of a town centre, so their condition can really affect a town’s image. 

Simple jobs like repainting a shop front or seasonal window dressing may qualify. 

Applications that include an accessibility or age-friendly element can avail of an increased grant up to 75pc of eligible costs.

A brochure is available here. 

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Kilcullen clubs get grant allocations

Kilcullen Tennis Club have been allocated a grant of €75,508 for the refurbishment of their clubhouse.

The funds are part of the 2022 Sports Capital & Equipment grants programme.

Kilcullen Canoe Club has been given €8,494 from the allocation, which will be used for improvements to the boat shed, installing a defibrillator, and for new equipment.

More than 1,900 clubs and schools received funding worth €144m across 35 sports in the allocation.

It is the country's largest ever Sports Capital & Equipment Programme distribution.

The local allocations have been welcomed by local TD and Minister of State Martin Heydon.

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Grants application information evening

An Information Evening on how to apply for community grants is being organised by Kildare County Council for Monday 7 February.

The Zoom event will be at 7.30pm and is geared for those who want to apply for  Community, Festival and Residents Association Grant schemes.

The evening is hosted by the Kildare Public Participation Network, and details and registration are available here. 

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Extra date for KCC Grants information session

Kildare County Council has added another date to its online Community Grants Information Evening, for Tuesday 16 March, writes Brian Byrne.

The 7.30pm Zoom session will provide information on Community, Festival, and Residents Association Grants in an informal way.

The event will cover eligibility, types of grants funded, criteria for assessment of applications, and tips on how to fill out the application. There will be an opportunity for questions.

The initial event for tomorrow night booked out quickly. Registration for the new date can be made here. 

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Community Grants information evening next week

An information evening on Kildare County Council Community Grants will be held via Zoom on Thursday 11 March, writes Brian Byrne.

The time scheduled is 7.30pm, and registration is required. The session will be useful for any groups intending to apply for Community Grants, Festival Grants, and Residents Association Grants.

The registration form is simple and concise and can be accessed here. 

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