Deadline: 13-Mar-2026
The Festival Grants Scheme in County Kildare provides €2,000 grants to voluntary groups organizing cultural, historical, and community festival events. The funding supports activities such as fun days, re-enactments, music and drama performances, food festivals, intercultural events, and annual parades.
The Festival Grants Scheme is designed to support voluntary community groups in County Kildare that organize and run festivals and events celebrating local culture, history, and community spirit.
The programme encourages participation, cultural expression, and community engagement through funding for diverse festival activities.
Purpose of the Grant
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Promote community participation through local festivals and events
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Celebrate local culture, history, and diversity
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Support voluntary groups in delivering high-quality events
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Provide financial assistance to cover key costs of festival organisation
Eligible Activities
Funding can support a wide range of festival events, including:
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Community fun days
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Historical re-enactments and heritage events
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Drama and musical performances
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Food and culinary festivals
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Intercultural celebration days
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Annual parades and local festivities
Grant Amount
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Maximum grant available: €2,000 per event
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Designed to cover costs associated with organizing and running festival events
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include:
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Voluntary groups and organisations running festival events in County Kildare
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Groups that are not residents’ associations (except for Project Estates)
Ineligible Applicants
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Most Residents Associations, unless part of Project Estates
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Commercial or profit-driven organisations
Application Requirements
Applicants must:
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Complete the official application form
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Submit all supporting documents required
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Comply with procurement legislation and regulations
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Submit the application by 5:00 p.m., 13 March 2026
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Use existing login details if applying again
Why This Grant Matters
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Provides vital support to voluntary groups to celebrate community culture
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Encourages active participation and engagement in local events
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Strengthens the cultural, historical, and social fabric of County Kildare
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Helps maintain and grow annual traditions and festival initiatives
How to Apply
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Download and complete the official application form from the relevant Kildare County Council portal
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Gather all supporting documentation required for the application
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Ensure compliance with procurement regulations
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Submit the completed application before the deadline (13 March 2026, 5:00 p.m.)
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Groups applying again can use existing login credentials
Tips for a Strong Application
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Clearly describe the festival or event and its impact on the community
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Highlight community participation and engagement
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Provide a detailed budget outlining how the grant will be used
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Include evidence of past events or experience, if applicable
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Ensure all supporting documents are submitted
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who is eligible to apply?
Voluntary groups running festival events in County Kildare. Residents Associations are excluded, except Project Estates.
2. What types of events are supported?
Community fun days, historical re-enactments, drama and music performances, food festivals, intercultural events, and annual parades.
3. How much funding is available?
Up to €2,000 per event.
4. Can commercial organisations apply?
No. Only voluntary community groups are eligible.
5. What is the application deadline?
13 March 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
6. Are previous applicants eligible to apply again?
Yes, they should use their existing login details.
7. Are there any procurement requirements?
Yes. All applications must comply with relevant procurement legislation and regulations.
Conclusion
The Festival Grants Scheme empowers voluntary groups in County Kildare to organize vibrant, inclusive, and culturally significant events. By providing funding, the scheme strengthens community engagement, promotes local culture and heritage, and ensures the continuation of valued festival traditions across the county.
For more information, visit Kildare County Council.
