Deadline: 02-Oct-2026
Community Foundation Ireland is inviting applications from non-profit organisations in the Republic of Ireland for grants of up to €12,000 to develop or implement Community Biodiversity Action Plans (CBAPs). Supported by the National Parks & Wildlife Service, the Biodiversity Fund helps local communities work with qualified ecologists to identify biodiversity priorities and deliver evidence-based conservation actions.
What Is the Community Biodiversity Fund?
The Biodiversity Fund is a community-level funding programme established by Community Foundation Ireland with support from the National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS).
The fund connects local community organisations with qualified ecologists to improve biodiversity planning and conservation across the Republic of Ireland.
Funding is available for two types of activities:
- Developing a new Community Biodiversity Action Plan (CBAP) with a qualified ecologist.
- Implementing recommendations contained in an existing CBAP.
The programme is intended to help communities identify local biodiversity needs and turn those priorities into practical conservation actions.
What Does the Grant Support?
The fund has two separate funding strands.
Strand 1: Developing a Community Biodiversity Action Plan
Organisations can apply for up to €10,000 to develop a new CBAP in partnership with a qualified ecologist.
A biodiversity action plan can help a community:
- Identify important local habitats and species.
- Assess biodiversity challenges and opportunities.
- Establish conservation priorities.
- Develop evidence-based actions.
- Build local biodiversity knowledge and capacity.
- Create a practical framework for future conservation work.
Strand 2: Implementing an Existing Biodiversity Action Plan
Organisations with an existing CBAP can apply for up to €12,000 to implement its recommendations.
This strand allows communities to move from biodiversity planning to practical action.
Projects should demonstrate how proposed activities respond to priorities already identified through an existing Community Biodiversity Action Plan.
Why Community Biodiversity Action Plans Matter
Community Biodiversity Action Plans provide a structured approach to protecting and enhancing biodiversity at the local level.
They can help communities coordinate conservation activities based on local evidence rather than isolated or short-term actions.
The programme also strengthens collaboration between:
- Community organisations.
- Local residents.
- Qualified ecologists.
- Conservation professionals.
- Other relevant local stakeholders.
This approach can support long-term habitat conservation, biodiversity restoration, ecological awareness, community participation, and sustainable local environmental management.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must meet the programme’s organisational and geographic requirements.
Applicants must:
- Be non-profit organisations.
- Be based in the Republic of Ireland.
- Undertake projects focused on biodiversity enhancement at the community level.
- Work with a qualified ecologist where required by the relevant funding strand.
- Submit the application through the designated Community Foundation Ireland grants portal.
The programme is intended for community-level biodiversity initiatives rather than commercial or profit-making activities.
What Are the Funding Amounts?
The maximum funding available depends on the type of project.
- New Community Biodiversity Action Plan: Up to €10,000.
- Implementation of an existing CBAP: Up to €12,000.
Applicants should ensure that their proposed budget directly reflects the activities required to develop or implement the biodiversity action plan.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Community Foundation Ireland grants portal.
Step 1: Determine the Appropriate Funding Strand
First establish whether the organisation is:
- Developing a new Community Biodiversity Action Plan, or
- Implementing recommendations from an existing CBAP.
Step 2: Establish the Ecological Partnership
Applicants developing a new plan should work with a qualified ecologist who can provide the appropriate technical expertise.
For implementation projects, applicants should clearly connect the proposed activities to recommendations contained in the existing CBAP.
Step 3: Prepare the Project
Clearly define:
- The biodiversity issue being addressed.
- The community or geographical area involved.
- The proposed activities.
- The role of the ecologist.
- Expected biodiversity outcomes.
- Community benefits.
- Project timeframe.
- Project budget.
Step 4: Prepare Organisational Documents
Applicants must provide the required governance and financial information, including:
- Up-to-date governance documents.
- Financial accounts.
- Details of a dedicated bank account.
- Other supporting information requested through the grants portal.
Step 5: Submit Online
Applications must be submitted through the Community Foundation Ireland grants portal.
Applications sent by email or post will not be accepted.
Applicants should therefore ensure that all required information and supporting documents are uploaded through the online system before the relevant deadline.
Important Eligibility Restrictions
Applicants should pay close attention to the programme’s requirements.
Projects are not eligible if:
- They have already started.
- They have already taken place.
- The applicant is not a non-profit organisation.
- The organisation is not based in the Republic of Ireland.
- The proposal does not focus on community-level biodiversity enhancement.
- The application is submitted by email or post instead of through the online grants portal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants can strengthen their submissions by avoiding common application problems.
- Choosing the wrong funding strand: Clearly distinguish between developing a new CBAP and implementing an existing plan.
- Weak ecological justification: Explain the biodiversity issue and why the proposed intervention is needed.
- Unclear community benefit: Show how local residents and the wider community will benefit.
- Incomplete documentation: Check that governance documents and financial accounts are current.
- Starting the project too early: Do not begin eligible project activities before funding requirements allow.
- Submitting incorrectly: Use the Community Foundation Ireland online grants portal rather than email or post.
- Poor budget alignment: Ensure requested funding directly relates to the proposed biodiversity activities.
What Makes a Strong Biodiversity Grant Application?
A competitive application should clearly connect local biodiversity needs, ecological expertise, community participation, and measurable outcomes.
Applicants should explain:
- What biodiversity challenge exists in the community.
- What evidence demonstrates the need for action.
- How the ecologist will contribute specialist knowledge.
- What activities will be delivered.
- Which habitats, species, or ecological priorities will benefit.
- How local people will participate.
- What outcomes will be achieved.
- How the work can contribute to longer-term biodiversity conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Community Biodiversity Fund?
The Community Biodiversity Fund is a Community Foundation Ireland programme supported by the National Parks & Wildlife Service that helps non-profit organisations develop or implement Community Biodiversity Action Plans.
How much funding is available?
Organisations can apply for up to €10,000 to develop a new Community Biodiversity Action Plan or up to €12,000 to implement recommendations from an existing CBAP.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants are non-profit organisations based in the Republic of Ireland that are proposing community-level biodiversity enhancement activities.
Is an ecologist required?
The programme specifically supports CBAP development in partnership with a qualified ecologist. Applicants implementing an existing CBAP should also demonstrate the appropriate ecological expertise needed to deliver the proposed recommendations.
Can a project that has already started receive funding?
No. Projects that have already started or taken place are ineligible under the programme.
How must applications be submitted?
Applications must be submitted through the Community Foundation Ireland grants portal. Applications submitted by email or post will not be accepted.
What documents are required?
Applicants are required to provide relevant organisational information, including up-to-date governance documents, financial accounts, and evidence of a dedicated bank account, along with other information requested through the application portal.
Conclusion
The Community Biodiversity Fund provides an opportunity for non-profit organisations across the Republic of Ireland to strengthen local biodiversity conservation through professional ecological expertise and community-led action. With grants of up to €10,000 for developing a Community Biodiversity Action Plan and €12,000 for implementing an existing plan, the programme can help communities move from identifying biodiversity priorities to delivering practical, evidence-based environmental improvements.
For more information, visit Community Foundation Ireland.