CFAs: Skills Development Events Funding Scheme (Ireland)

Screen Ireland is inviting Ireland-based screen sector organisations to apply for funding to deliver professional skills development events and activities. Grants of up to €10,000 are available to support workshops, masterclasses, seminars, networking events, and other initiatives that strengthen Ireland’s film, television, animation, and related screen industries.

About the Screen Ireland Skills Development Funding Programme

Screen Ireland has opened applications for organisations seeking financial support to deliver skills development events and activities that benefit the Irish screen industry.

The programme aims to strengthen professional capabilities across the film, television, animation, and related creative sectors by supporting high-quality learning opportunities for established and emerging industry professionals.

Activities may include in-person, online, or hybrid events designed to promote best practices, innovation, and professional development.

Programme Objectives

The funding programme aims to:

• Enhance professional skills across the Irish screen sector.
• Support continuous learning and career development.
• Promote international best practices.
• Strengthen industry collaboration and networking.
• Encourage innovation and future-ready skills.
• Advance the goals of Screen Ireland’s “Fís Athnuaite: Strategic Plan 2025–2029.”

Priority Focus Areas

Priority will be given to activities addressing:

• Advanced international skills development for above-the-line talent.
• Equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Sustainability and green production.
• Future technologies and virtual production.
• Workplace culture and wellbeing.
• Regional screen sector development.
• Careers in the screen industry.
• Company and business development.

Eligible Activities

Funding may support a wide range of professional development activities, including:

• Masterclasses.
• Workshops.
• Seminars.
• Webinars.
• Networking events.
• Writers’ rooms.
• Panel discussions.
• Industry placements.
• Shadowing opportunities.
• Other professional learning initiatives.

Projects should clearly demonstrate benefits for Ireland’s film, television, animation, or related screen sectors.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open to organisations based in Ireland with strong links to the screen industry.

Eligible organisations include:

• Film festivals.
• Industry guilds.
• Screen sector stakeholders.
• Industry bodies.

The proposed activity must:

• Take place in Ireland, or
• If delivered online, primarily target Irish participants.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following organisations cannot apply:

• Producer companies.
• Third-level colleges and universities.
• Publicly funded agencies.
• Publicly funded organisations.

Funding Available

Applicants may request funding of up to:

• €10,000 per organisation each year.

Higher awards may be considered for exceptional projects offering significant industry impact and unique professional development opportunities.

Payment Schedule

Successful applicants receive funding in two instalments:

• 80% after the funding agreement has been completed.
• 20% after submission of the required evaluation report.

Applicants may include administrative or operational costs of up to 15% within the project budget.

Application Conditions

Applicants should note that:

• Only one application per organisation per year will normally be funded.
• Additional applications may only be supported in exceptional circumstances.
• Attendance fees should generally not be charged unless approved in advance by Screen Ireland.
• Activities should primarily benefit Irish screen industry professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Screen Ireland Skills Development Funding Programme?

It is a funding programme that supports organisations delivering professional learning events and activities for Ireland’s film, television, animation, and related screen sectors.

Who can apply?

Ireland-based organisations with strong links to the screen industry, including festivals, guilds, stakeholders, and industry bodies, are eligible to apply.

How much funding is available?

Organisations can apply for up to €10,000 per year, with larger awards available in exceptional cases.

What activities are eligible for funding?

Eligible activities include workshops, masterclasses, webinars, networking events, seminars, panel discussions, writers’ rooms, placements, shadowing programmes, and other professional development initiatives.

Where must the activities take place?

Events should be held in Ireland. Online activities are eligible if they primarily serve Irish participants.

Can producer companies apply?

No. Producer companies are not eligible for this funding programme.

Can universities or colleges apply?

No. Third-level educational institutions are not eligible applicants.

Can attendance fees be charged?

Generally, attendance should be free unless Screen Ireland has agreed in advance that fees may be charged.

How is funding paid?

Funding is paid in two instalments: 80% after contracting and 20% after submission of the final evaluation.

Can administrative costs be included in the budget?

Yes. Administrative or operational costs of up to 15% of the project budget may be included.

Can an organisation submit multiple applications?

Normally, only one application per organisation is supported each year unless an exceptional project justifies additional funding.

Conclusion

The Screen Ireland Skills Development Events and Activities Funding Programme provides valuable support for organisations delivering professional learning opportunities that strengthen Ireland’s screen industry. By investing in workshops, masterclasses, networking events, and innovative training initiatives, the programme helps develop talent, promote best practices, and prepare the sector for future growth.