Deadline: 22-Jan-2026
Ireland’s Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) programme has opened its 2026 Collaboration and Innovation Fund (CIF), offering €1 million to support new, collaborative projects that improve adult literacy, numeracy, digital skills and financial literacy. Funding is available to public, community and voluntary organisations working in partnership, with separate strands for general literacy, financial literacy and family literacy. The fund prioritises innovation, unmet needs and long-term impact for adults with low literacy skills.
Overview
The 2026 Collaboration and Innovation Fund (CIF) supports new, collaborative initiatives that enhance adult literacy, numeracy, digital literacy and financial literacy across Ireland. The fund targets adults who face barriers to education and need improved skills to participate fully in daily life, employment and society.
Key Concepts
Adult Literacy
Adult literacy includes reading, writing and essential communication skills required for everyday tasks.
Numeracy Skills
Numeracy refers to basic mathematical understanding used for budgeting, measurements, household management and workplace tasks.
Digital Literacy
Digital literacy focuses on the ability to use digital tools, online platforms, smartphones and essential technologies safely and effectively.
Financial Literacy
Financial literacy helps adults manage money, plan budgets, understand financial products and make confident financial decisions.
Funding Structure
-
Total fund: €1 million
-
Three funding strands:
-
€700,000 for literacy, numeracy and digital literacy projects
-
€200,000 for financial literacy projects
-
€100,000 for family literacy initiatives supporting parents with literacy or digital needs
-
-
Local project funding: €1,000–€15,000
-
National project funding: €1,000–€50,000
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
-
Public-sector bodies
-
Community organisations
-
Voluntary and non-profit organisations
-
Partnerships involving at least two collaborating organisations
Not Eligible
-
Private companies
-
For-profit organisations
-
Single-organisation applications
Why It Matters
-
Supports adults who have unmet literacy, numeracy or digital needs
-
Promotes equality and social inclusion
-
Helps communities design local and national solutions
-
Strengthens Ireland’s long-term literacy ecosystem through innovation and collaboration
What the Fund Supports
Funded projects must:
-
Be new, innovative and not previously implemented
-
Address a clear unmet literacy, numeracy, digital or financial literacy need
-
Demonstrate collaboration between multiple organisations
-
Show benefits for adults or families
-
Include plans for sustainability beyond the funding period
How to Apply
-
Review CIF guidelines: Ensure your proposal fits the fund structure and eligibility rules.
-
Form a partnership: Include at least two organisations with complementary roles.
-
Define the project: Clarify the target group, unmet need, proposed activities and expected outcomes.
-
Select the project type: Determine whether the project is local (single area) or national (multiple regions).
-
Prepare documentation: Include legal status, budget details, sustainability plan and evidence of collaboration.
-
Contact a regional literacy coordinator (optional): Receive guidance on project development.
-
Submit the application within the official timeframe through the CIF submission process.
Tips and Common Mistakes
Tips for Strong Proposals
-
Show clear alignment with literacy, numeracy, digital or financial literacy goals
-
Describe how the project addresses unmet needs supported by evidence
-
Provide a realistic, transparent budget
-
Demonstrate meaningful collaboration, not token partnerships
-
Highlight long-term sustainability and scalability
Common Mistakes
-
Submitting previously implemented projects
-
Applying without a second partner organisation
-
Proposing activities outside the literacy scope
-
Over- or under-estimating budgets
-
Neglecting to articulate measurable outcomes
FAQ
1. Who can apply for the 2026 CIF?
Any public, community or voluntary organisation in Ireland working in partnership with at least one other organisation.
2. Can a private company apply?
No. Private and for-profit organisations are not eligible.
3. What is the maximum funding available?
Local projects may apply for up to €15,000; national projects can request up to €50,000.
4. Can projects focus on digital literacy only?
Yes. Digital literacy is a core priority of the fund.
5. Are family literacy projects eligible?
Yes. €100,000 is specifically allocated for family-literacy-focused initiatives.
6. Must the project be new?
Yes. Only new, innovative projects that have not been implemented previously are eligible.
7. Is collaboration mandatory?
Yes. Each application must include at least two partner organisations.
Conclusion
The 2026 Collaboration and Innovation Fund offers a significant opportunity for community, public and voluntary organisations across Ireland to develop creative solutions that improve adult literacy, digital skills and financial capability. By prioritising collaboration, innovation and long-term impact, the fund strengthens the Adult Literacy for Life vision of a more inclusive, literacy-friendly society. Organisations that prepare clear, evidence-driven and community-focused proposals will be well positioned to secure funding.
For more information, visit ALL.
