Deadline: 13-Feb-2026
The Cork County Council Municipal District Community Fund Scheme 2026 provides financial support to community, sporting, voluntary, and local organisations across County Cork. The scheme offers funding for capital projects, recurring community works, and smaller amenity initiatives, focusing on social and economic development, community need, and measurable outcomes. Funding levels vary depending on project type, with clear eligibility criteria and alignment with local and county development plans.
Overview
The Municipal District Community Fund Scheme supports local organisations by providing financial assistance to deliver community-focused projects across County Cork. Projects must:
-
Demonstrate social and economic development potential
-
Align with local area plans and the County Development Plan
-
Address genuine community need
-
Present realistic, deliverable proposals
-
Show value for money with clear outputs, outcomes, costs, and timescales
Funding Streams
1. Capital Fund Scheme
Supports infrastructural projects over €20,000 that enhance community facilities. Key details include:
-
Eligible projects: new or improved facilities, especially supporting youth, older people, and voluntary/community initiatives
-
Project development must be well advanced; planning permission, if required, must be secured
-
Minimum Council contribution: €10,000
-
Maximum funding: 50% of total project cost
-
Priority: projects ready to commence works immediately
2. Community Contract Scheme
Designed for Tidy Towns groups to collaborate with Cork County Council on local projects. Features include:
-
Typically recurring works such as open space maintenance, environmental improvements, and litter management
-
Once-off enhancement projects may also be considered
-
Funding range: €1,500 – €20,000
-
Amount determined by project type, availability of other funding, and group capacity to deliver
3. Amenity Fund Scheme
Supports projects under €20,000 that directly benefit communities and meet local needs. Eligible activities include:
-
Tidy Towns initiatives
-
Festivals and local events
-
Improvements to local amenities, landscaping, signage, or equipment purchase
-
Upgrades to existing facilities
-
Funding: up to €5,000, subject to percentage limits and consideration of other public funding sources
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include community groups, sporting organisations, voluntary organisations, and local associations operating in County Cork. Projects must:
-
Demonstrate clear community need
-
Show engagement with local stakeholders
-
Deliver defined outputs and outcomes
-
Include a plan for delivery, measurement, and future maintenance
-
Align with local area and County Development Plans
How to Apply
-
Identify the appropriate funding stream based on project cost and scope
-
Prepare a detailed application including:
-
Project description and objectives
-
Clear outputs, outcomes, and measurable targets
-
Budget, costings, and funding rationale
-
Timeline and maintenance plan
-
-
Submit the application to the relevant Municipal District office
-
Ensure compliance with local area and County Development Plan priorities
Why This Grant Matters
The Municipal District Community Fund Scheme strengthens local communities by supporting initiatives that improve infrastructure, amenities, and social cohesion. It encourages community engagement, local collaboration, and sustainable development, ensuring projects deliver tangible benefits to residents of County Cork.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply? Community, sporting, voluntary, and local organisations operating in County Cork.
What types of projects are funded? Capital projects, recurring community works, festivals, amenity improvements, equipment purchases, landscaping, and signage.
What is the maximum grant amount? Up to €100,000 for capital projects; €20,000 for community contracts; €5,000 for amenity projects.
Is planning permission required? Yes, for capital projects, planning permission must already be secured.
Do projects need to align with local plans? Yes, alignment with local area and County Development Plans is mandatory.
Are smaller recurring works eligible? Yes, under the Community Contract Scheme.
What is assessed in the application? Community need, stakeholder engagement, outputs/outcomes, budget, value for money, and alignment with local and county plans.
Conclusion
The Cork County Council Municipal District Community Fund Scheme 2026 provides vital financial support for community-driven projects that enhance local infrastructure, social engagement, and community development. By funding projects with measurable impact, the scheme strengthens communities and ensures sustainable benefits for residents across County Cork.
For more information, visit Cork County Council.