Deadline: 24-Oct-2025
Waterford City & County Council has opened applications for its Festival Support Grant 2026, inviting community and voluntary groups to propose festivals and events that match the region’s vision of vibrancy and sustainability.
The grant’s purpose is to help festivals and events that enrich the local area, support community participation, and contribute to Waterford’s goal of being a dynamic and sustainable centre for people who live, work, invest, or visit there. Applicants will need to align with the Council’s Festival & Event Funding Policy to ensure eligibility.
To be eligible, groups must be registered with the Public Participation Network (PPN), maintain a properly constituted committee (with at least a chairperson, secretary, and treasurer), present a clear festival plan, and commit to inclusive practices. Applicants are also required to complete online tutorials for festival organisers. In judging applications, the Council will assess festival design, governance, promotional planning, sustainability practices (including compliance with policies on waste, plastics, and carbon), growth potential, and financial management.
This grant is a strong opportunity for community groups in Waterford to secure support for festivals that bring cultural, social, and economic value to the region, provided they meet the eligibility, planning, and reporting standards outlined by the Council.
For more information, visit Waterford Festivals.