Applications open for Community Action Grant Program 2026 (Ireland)

Deadline: 27-Feb-2026

Westmeath County Council Community Action Grants provide financial support to local community and voluntary groups for projects that improve wellbeing, inclusion, and quality of life in County Westmeath.

The grants support running and capital costs for inclusive community initiatives, with a strong focus on older people, marginalized groups, youth activities, and accessible community facilities.

Eligible groups must be affiliated with the Westmeath Public Participation Network and meet specific governance and eligibility requirements.

Overview

The Westmeath County Council Community Action Grants are designed to support local community and voluntary organisations delivering projects that enhance community wellbeing, social inclusion, and quality of life across County Westmeath.

The funding prioritises grassroots initiatives that strengthen community participation, shared responsibility, and local development while ensuring equitable access to facilities and activities.

These grants play a key role in supporting inclusive, community-led development aligned with local social and civic priorities.

Key Objectives of the Funding

The Community Action Grants aim to:

• Strengthen community cohesion and shared responsibility

• Increase participation in community development activities

• Improve quality of life for older people, especially those most hard to reach

• Support inclusion of marginalized individuals and groups

• Enhance community facilities, amenities, and sports that are inclusive and publicly accessible

• Encourage the creation or development of youth groups and children’s activities

Types of Projects Supported

Community Development and Participation

Projects that:

• Foster community awareness and engagement

• Encourage wider participation in local initiatives

• Share successful approaches with other communities

Inclusion and Social Participation

Initiatives that:

• Support marginalized or socially excluded groups

• Promote participation in community and civic life

• Improve access to services, facilities, or activities

Older People-Focused Initiatives

Projects that:

• Improve wellbeing and quality of life for older residents

• Reach isolated or hard-to-reach older individuals

• Share best practices with other communities

Community Facilities and Amenities

Support is available for projects that:

• Improve community centres, amenities, or sports facilities

• Enhance availability or quality of shared spaces

• Ensure facilities are inclusive and publicly accessible

Youth and Children’s Activities

Funding may support:

• Establishment of youth groups

• Development of youth or children’s programmes

• Youth-focused activities within broader community projects

What Can the Grant Be Used For?

Eligible Costs

Community Action Grants may be used for:

• Day-to-day running costs, including:

  • Insurance

  • Utilities

• Capital costs, such as:

  • Purchase of equipment

  • Purchase of materials

Ineligible Costs

The following costs are not eligible:

• Salary or wage costs

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the Community Action Grants, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a community or voluntary group

• Be affiliated with the Westmeath Public Participation Network (PPN)

• Have a bank or credit union account in the group’s name

• Hold a valid tax reference number or charity number

• Operate a project located within County Westmeath

• Maintain appropriate governance procedures and policies

• Hold suitable insurance where relevant

How the Grant Works

Application and Assessment

• Funding is awarded on a competitive basis

• Westmeath County Council considers equitable distribution of funding across the county

• Successful applicants may be required to provide evidence of how funds are used

Accountability and Compliance

Grant recipients must:

• Use funds only for approved purposes

• Maintain proper financial records

• Comply with all relevant policies and procedures

Acknowledgement and Branding Requirements

All successful applicants must acknowledge Westmeath County Council as a funding source by:

• Including acknowledgement in publications and reports

• Displaying signage where appropriate

• Referencing funding in online materials

• Recording funding acknowledgment in official meeting minutes

Official logo guidelines can be obtained directly from Westmeath County Council.

Why This Grant Matters

The Community Action Grants support sustainable, community-led development by:

• Strengthening local social infrastructure

• Supporting inclusion and participation

• Improving access to shared community resources

• Empowering local groups to address local needs

These grants help ensure that community development is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to real-life challenges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without PPN affiliation

• Including salary costs in budgets

• Proposing projects outside County Westmeath

• Failing to demonstrate inclusivity and public accessibility

• Lacking proper financial or governance documentation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who administers the Community Action Grants?

The grants are administered by Westmeath County Council.

2. Can individuals apply for the grant?

No. Applications must come from community or voluntary groups, not individuals.

3. Are youth-only projects eligible?

Yes. Projects focused on youth or children’s activities are eligible, either as standalone initiatives or as part of broader community projects.

4. Can the grant be used for staff salaries?

No. Salary costs are not eligible under this funding programme.

5. Do projects need to be publicly accessible?

Yes. Projects involving facilities, amenities, or sports must be inclusive and publicly accessible.

6. Is proof of spending required?

Yes. Successful applicants may be required to provide evidence of how the grant was used.

7. Must projects acknowledge the Council’s support?

Yes. All funded projects must acknowledge Westmeath County Council in relevant materials and records.

Conclusion

The Westmeath County Council Community Action Grants offer vital support to local groups working to strengthen inclusion, wellbeing, and participation across County Westmeath.

By funding inclusive community projects, facilities, and activities, the programme empowers local organisations to create lasting social impact and improve quality of life for residents of all ages.

For more information, visit Westmeath County Council.