Request for Proposals: Heritage Stewardship Fund in Ireland

The Heritage Stewardship Scheme 2 offers grants between €5,000 and €30,000 for public-sector institutions, state agencies, and educational bodies to support heritage-focused projects. The scheme prioritizes conservation, accessibility, documentation, and climate-resilient initiatives, enabling organizations to safeguard Ireland’s heritage while enhancing public engagement.

Overview of the Scheme

The Heritage Stewardship Scheme 2 is designed for institutions that manage heritage assets, even if their primary work is not heritage-centric. Eligible organizations include museums, archives, historic buildings, natural habitats, and heritage collections. The scheme supports staff such as curators, archivists, conservation officers, and archaeologists involved in maintaining or developing heritage infrastructure.

Key Objectives

• Preserve and conserve heritage assets.

• Improve accessibility and public engagement with heritage sites and collections.

• Support documentation and management of heritage resources.

• Encourage climate-resilient and nature-positive heritage projects.

Who Is Eligible?

• Local authorities and state agencies managing heritage assets.

• Educational institutions with heritage responsibilities.

• Institutions with staff directly involved in heritage management.

• Note: Certain heritage-officer roles may be funded under separate schemes and are not eligible here.

Funding Details

• Grant Range: €5,000 – €30,000 per project.

• Applicants must contribute at least 10% of the total project cost.

• Funding may cover:

  • Engagement of third-party suppliers.

  • Purchase of specialist equipment.

  • Travel and subsistence for volunteers involved in heritage activities.

• Funding cannot be used for payroll or core administrative overheads.

Why It Matters

• Supports public institutions in preserving Ireland’s tangible and intangible heritage.

• Enhances community access and engagement with heritage assets.

• Promotes sustainable practices and climate-resilient heritage initiatives.

• Strengthens capacity of staff managing heritage resources.

How to Apply

1. Register and log in to the Heritage Council’s online grants system.

2. Prepare project details including objectives, expected heritage impact, and sustainability measures.

3. Provide a detailed budget, highlighting eligible costs and the 10% applicant contribution.

4. Submit applications during the annual funding cycle: typically November to mid-January.

5. Await assessment and approval notifications from the Heritage Council.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Demonstrate clear heritage impact and alignment with scheme priorities.

• Include measurable outcomes for conservation, documentation, or accessibility.

• Highlight sustainability or climate-positive elements of the project.

• Ensure clarity on funding allocation and contribution from the applicant.

FAQ

1. Who can apply? Public-sector institutions, state agencies, and educational bodies managing heritage assets.

2. What is the funding range? €5,000 – €30,000 per project.

3. Can payroll be funded? No, the scheme does not cover salaries or administrative overheads.

4. Is there a required contribution? Yes, applicants must contribute at least 10% of the project cost.

5. What types of projects are prioritized? Projects enhancing conservation, documentation, accessibility, and climate-resilient initiatives.

6. When does the funding cycle open and close? Typically opens in November and closes mid-January.

7. How are applications submitted? Through the Heritage Council’s online grants system.

Conclusion

The Heritage Stewardship Scheme 2 provides a strategic funding opportunity for public institutions to conserve, manage, and enhance Ireland’s heritage assets. By supporting climate-resilient, sustainable, and accessible projects, the scheme ensures that heritage is preserved for future generations while fostering public engagement and long-term stewardship.