Deadline: 13-Mar-2026
The Meath County Council Festivals and Events Grant supports local voluntary groups to deliver inclusive, sustainable community events in County Meath. The grant provides up to €1,000 per project to encourage intercultural exchange, celebrate diversity, and promote community participation, particularly for events that may not otherwise take place.
Overview
The Festivals and Events Grant is an annual funding scheme offered by Meath County Council to support community-led festivals and events that strengthen social cohesion, promote diversity, and encourage intercultural understanding.
The scheme is specifically designed to assist local voluntary groups rather than commercially driven or well-established festivals. Funding is provided on a once-off basis to help groups deliver inclusive, accessible, and environmentally responsible activities within County Meath.
Key Objectives of the Grant
The grant aims to support events that:
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Promote community engagement and participation
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Encourage intercultural dialogue and understanding
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Celebrate cultural diversity within local communities
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Support inclusion, accessibility, and democratic participation
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Embed sustainable and environmentally responsible practices
Projects demonstrating strong environmental sustainability measures may receive priority consideration.
Funding Amount and Support Available
Successful applicants may receive:
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Up to €1,000 per approved project
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Once-off financial support only
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Funding subject to specific conditions set by Meath County Council
The grant budget is allocated annually and is dependent on available council funding.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Eligible applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
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Be a local voluntary or community group
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Be affiliated with the Meath Public Participation Network (PPN)
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Organise events that take place entirely within County Meath
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Operate in an inclusive, participative, and accessible manner
The scheme is not intended for:
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Self-financing events
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Commercial festivals
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Large, well-established festivals with significant alternative funding
What Types of Activities Are Supported?
Funded activities may include:
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Community festivals and cultural celebrations
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Intercultural and diversity-focused events
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Local heritage, arts, or social inclusion initiatives
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Community gatherings that encourage participation and dialogue
All activities must align with public sector equality and human rights principles, including dignity, inclusion, and democracy.
Sustainability and Compliance Requirements
All funded projects must:
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Incorporate environmentally responsible and sustainable practices
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Hold appropriate insurance cover for the event or activity
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Fully comply with child protection policies for activities involving children and young people aged 0–18
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Exclude salary or wage costs, as these are not eligible for funding
Groups receiving €10,000 or more from Meath County Council within a calendar year must provide:
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A valid tax reference number
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A tax clearance access number
These are required to process grant payments.
Why This Grant Matters
The Festivals and Events Grant plays a key role in:
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Supporting grassroots community initiatives
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Strengthening intercultural understanding at local level
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Encouraging participation by underrepresented groups
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Promoting sustainable event practices
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Enabling small-scale events that would not otherwise happen
By prioritising inclusion and environmental responsibility, the scheme helps build resilient and connected communities across County Meath.
How to Apply
To apply for the Festivals and Events Grant, groups should:
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Confirm affiliation with the Meath Public Participation Network
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Develop a clear proposal outlining the event, objectives, and community impact
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Demonstrate inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability measures
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Ensure compliance with insurance and child protection requirements
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Submit the completed application before the stated closing date
Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
How the Grant Works
Once approved:
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Funding is awarded on a once-off basis
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Specific conditions may be attached to the grant
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Groups may be required to submit a completion report
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Funding must be used only for approved project costs
Failure to meet conditions may affect future eligibility.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
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Applying after the deadline
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Proposing salary or wage costs
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Submitting projects outside County Meath
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Failing to demonstrate sustainability or inclusion
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Applying without PPN affiliation
Careful planning and alignment with the grant objectives will strengthen applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much funding can a group receive?
Groups can apply for up to a maximum of €1,000 per project.
Who can apply for this grant?
Local voluntary groups affiliated with the Meath Public Participation Network are eligible to apply.
Are salary or staffing costs allowed?
No. Salary and wage costs are not eligible under this grant scheme.
Where must funded events take place?
All funded activities must take place within County Meath.
Is a final report required?
Yes. Grant recipients may be required to submit a report after project completion.
What happens if a group receives over €10,000 from the Council in a year?
The group must provide a valid tax reference number and tax clearance access number.
Are late applications accepted?
No. Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted.
Conclusion
The Meath County Council Festivals and Events Grant provides vital support to local voluntary groups delivering inclusive, sustainable, and culturally diverse events. By offering small-scale funding with a strong focus on community impact, the scheme enables meaningful local initiatives that promote equality, participation, and environmental responsibility across County Meath.
For more information, visit Meath County Council.