Deadline: 06-Jan-2026

The Community Climate Action Programme, supported by Monaghan County Council (MCC), empowers rural and urban communities to implement low-carbon, sustainable initiatives aligned with national climate and energy targets. Strand 1 – Action: Building Low Carbon Communities provides funding up to €100,000 per project, covering 100% of eligible costs. Applications are open to not-for-profit organizations in County Monaghan registered with the Public Participation Network (PPN) or affiliated community collectives.

What is the Community Climate Action Programme?

The Community Climate Action Programme supports communities in developing sustainable, low-carbon environments that contribute to national climate and energy goals. It emphasizes community-led initiatives, allowing groups to start from their own capacities while promoting scalable climate actions.

Programme Objectives

• Reduce carbon emissions at the community level.

• Promote sustainable, low-carbon practices in urban and rural settings.

• Strengthen community engagement and empowerment in climate action.

• Align local initiatives with relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Strand 1 – Action: Building Low Carbon Communities

Funding Allocation

• MCC has been allocated €392,000 over 18 months for this strand.

• Funding covers 100% of eligible project costs.

• Project sizes:

  • Small Projects: Up to €20,000 (approx. 10% of selections)

  • Medium Projects: €20,000–€50,000 (approx. 40% of selections)

  • Large Projects: €50,000–€100,000 (approx. 50% of selections)

• Projects must have a direct climate action impact.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be not-for-profit community organizations based in County Monaghan.

• Be registered with the Public Participation Network (PPN) or affiliated with recognized collectives (e.g., The Wheel, Tidy Towns).

• Have a valid constitution or articles of association and approved AGM minutes.

• Submit one application per organization, though projects may cover multiple themes.

Ineligible applicants include:

• Private individuals and commercial enterprises (including sole traders)

• Schools and higher education institutions

• National community and environmental organizations

• Financial institutions

Why the Programme Matters

• Encourages community-led climate initiatives.

• Supports tangible carbon reduction and sustainability projects.

• Provides full funding for well-designed projects, enabling communities to implement climate solutions without financial barriers.

• Fosters local engagement, collaboration, and capacity building.

How to Apply / Application Guidelines

• Ensure your organization meets eligibility criteria.

• Align project objectives with relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Identify project size based on funding requirements and expected impact.

• Prepare clear project descriptions and expected climate action outcomes.

• Bundle multiple themes if applicable, but submit only one application per organization.

Common Mistakes & Tips

• Applying as an ineligible organization (private business, school, or national organization).

• Submitting incomplete or unclear project proposals.

• Not aligning projects with SDGs or climate action objectives.

• Misidentifying project size relative to funding categories.

• Failing to provide proof of constitution, articles of association, or AGM approval.

FAQ

1. What types of projects are eligible under Strand 1?
Projects must have a direct impact on reducing carbon emissions and building low-carbon communities.

2. How much funding is available per project?
Small: up to €20,000; Medium: €20,000–€50,000; Large: €50,000–€100,000.

3. Who can apply?
Not-for-profit community organizations based in County Monaghan registered with PPN or affiliated collectives.

4. Are private businesses or schools eligible?
No, these organizations are not eligible for Strand 1 funding.

5. Can one organization submit multiple applications?
No, only one application per organization is allowed.

6. Can projects cover multiple themes?
Yes, multiple themes can be included, but they must be part of a single application.

7. Is the funding partial or full?
Funding covers 100% of eligible project costs.

Conclusion

The Community Climate Action Programme – Strand 1 offers a unique opportunity for community organizations in Monaghan to implement low-carbon, sustainable initiatives. By providing full funding, structured project sizes, and clear guidelines, MCC aims to empower local communities to take meaningful climate action and contribute to national sustainability targets.

For more information, visit Monaghan County Council.