Mayo County Council’s Community Heritage Grant Scheme (Ireland)

Deadline: 20-Mar-2026

The Mayo County Council, in partnership with the County Mayo Heritage Forum, is inviting applications for the Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2026. The scheme offers up to €1,500 for community-based projects in County Mayo that protect, research, manage, or promote heritage and biodiversity with clear local benefit.

About the Scheme 2026

The Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2026 supports local projects that help communities understand, protect, manage, and promote heritage and biodiversity in County Mayo, Ireland.

The grant is intended for projects that deliver a clear community benefit and improve awareness or conservation of local heritage assets.

Funding Available

• Maximum grant amount: Up to €1,500 per project

Who Is Eligible?

The scheme is open to applicants carrying out projects within County Mayo.

Eligible Applicants

• Community groups

• Local organisations

• Individuals

What Projects Can Be Supported?

The grant supports projects related to heritage and biodiversity.

Eligible Themes

Projects may involve:

• Monuments

• Archaeological objects

• Heritage objects

• Architectural heritage

• Flora and fauna

• Wildlife habitats

• Landscapes

• Genealogy

• Local history

• Geology

• Heritage gardens and parks

• Traditions and folklore

• Placenames

• Traditional crafts and skills

• Museums

• Archives

Types of Eligible Projects

1. Heritage Research and Information Gathering

Funding may support projects that collect useful heritage or biodiversity data, such as:

• Archaeological surveys

• Wildlife surveys for graveyard management

• Conservation reports for stained-glass windows

• Assessments of conservation needs for objects or collections

2. Heritage Management and Conservation

The scheme also supports projects that apply good heritage practice, including:

• Conservation planning

• Habitat or wildlife site management

• Conservation of collections and documents

• Works to support survival of heritage buildings under an approved plan

• Control of invasive species

• Restoration of important habitats

• Implementing recommendations from conservation or wildlife plans

• Archival boxes for vulnerable documents

Why This Grant Matters

This grant helps local communities:

• Protect heritage and biodiversity

• Preserve local knowledge and traditions

• Improve conservation of sites, objects, and habitats

• Build community awareness and appreciation

• Safeguard heritage for future generations

How to Apply

Simple Steps

1. Confirm location eligibility
   Your project must take place in County Mayo.

2. Choose a suitable project
   Make sure it relates to heritage or biodiversity and offers a clear community benefit.

3. Plan the work carefully
   Focus on practical, realistic activities such as research, surveys, conservation planning, or habitat management.

4. Keep the budget within limit
   Apply for up to €1,500.

5. Submit as instructed by Mayo County Council
   Follow the official application process and required documents.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain the community benefit

• Show why the heritage or biodiversity asset is important

• Use practical and realistic project goals

• Link your project to conservation, research, or awareness

• Mention how results will be shared or used locally

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting a project with unclear community impact

• Proposing work outside County Mayo

• Applying for a project that is too broad for the funding amount

• Failing to explain the heritage or biodiversity value

• Not showing how the project supports good heritage practice

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Mayo Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2026?

It is a local grant scheme that supports heritage and biodiversity projects in County Mayo with clear community benefit.

2. How much funding is available?

Applicants can receive up to €1,500 per project.

3. Who can apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Community groups

• Organisations

• Individuals

4. Where must the project take place?

The project must be carried out within County Mayo.

5. What kinds of projects are supported?

Projects may include:

• Heritage research

• Archaeology or wildlife surveys

• Conservation planning

• Habitat restoration

• Archive or collection protection

• Local heritage awareness initiatives

6. Does the project need a community benefit?

Yes. Projects should have a clear community benefit.

Conclusion

The Mayo Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2026 is a useful small grant for community groups, organisations, and individuals working to protect and promote heritage and biodiversity in County Mayo.

With up to €1,500 available, it is well suited for focused local projects involving research, conservation, habitat management, and community heritage awareness.

For more information, visit Mayo County Council.