The Heritage Organisations Support Fund provides up to €50,000 in core funding for non-profit heritage organisations in Ireland to strengthen governance, staffing, strategic planning, stability, and climate action impact. The grant supports operational capacity—not short-term projects—and requires alignment with the Heritage Council’s Strategic Plan 2023–2028. Applications close on 26 January 2026 at 5:00 PM, with results released in early March 2026.

Overview

The Heritage Council of Ireland is accepting applications for its Heritage Organisations Support Fund, designed to strengthen the long-term operational stability of non-profit organisations working in heritage conservation, preservation, education, and stewardship. Unlike project grants, this fund focuses on core organisational support, enabling heritage groups to build resilience, plan strategically, and contribute to national climate and sustainability goals.

Funding at a Glance

Grant Amount: Up to €50,000 per organisation
Funding Focus: Core operational support (not project-based)
Eligible Costs: Staffing, governance, administration, strategic planning, long-term development, climate action alignment
Grant Year: 2026 cycle
Results Announcement: Early March 2026
Workplan Start: Mid-March 2026
Deadline: 26 January 2026, 5:00 PM (no late submissions accepted)

Why This Fund Matters

This fund addresses critical challenges in the heritage sector by:

Strengthening organisational resilience
Improving governance and financial stability
Supporting staff retention and skill development
Enabling long-term strategic growth
Encouraging environmentally responsible practices
Enhancing public engagement and contribution to national heritage goals

It ensures that heritage organisations have the foundation needed to operate sustainably and provide ongoing public benefit.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible Organisations

To qualify, applicants must:

Be a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG)
Be non-profit and not controlled by a public or state body
Have a constitution that prohibits director remuneration
Operate in two or more local authority areas
Align with at least one national strategy relevant to heritage, climate, nature, or culture
Work within Ireland’s heritage sector

Not Eligible

Individuals
Private companies
Public bodies
State-controlled organisations
Organisations applying more than once (only one application per organisation)

What This Fund Supports

The grant covers core operational priorities, including:

Salaries and staffing support
Governance improvements
Strategic development and long-term planning
Administrative and operational stability
Climate and nature action integration
Enhanced public benefit and heritage sector impact

This fund does not support standalone or short-term project work.

Assessment Process

The evaluation is multi-step and evidence-based:

1. Eligibility Screening

Applications are checked for:

Compliance with mandatory criteria
Accuracy and completeness of documents

2. Detailed Scoring

Eligible proposals are scored on:

Strategic alignment with Heritage Council Strategic Plan 2023–2028
Organisational capacity and governance quality
Impact on heritage, nature, climate, and community
Strength and clarity of the workplan and monitoring framework

3. Expert Panel Review

Shortlisted proposals are reviewed by an independent expert panel, which recommends final funding decisions based on:

Scores
Alignment with fund priorities
Potential for long-term impact

Reporting Requirements

Successful organisations must submit:

Grants Update Report – July 2026
Progress Report – October 2026
Final Report – 31 March 2027

They must also host an inclusive, in-person event during National Heritage Week 2026 to showcase funded work.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted through the Heritage Council’s online grants system.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Review Eligibility

Confirm CLG status, non-profit structure, governance rules, and geographic scope.

2. Prepare Key Documents

Typical documents include:

Governance and organisational information
Strategic plan or evidence of national strategy alignment
Detailed workplan (2026–2027)
Monitoring and evaluation plan
Staffing and operational budgets
Climate action or sustainability commitments

3. Complete the Online Application

Enter clear, concise information for each section:

Organisational background
Heritage impact
Governance and capacity
Proposed workplan
Expected outcomes

4. Submit Before the Deadline

Ensure the application is fully completed and final documents uploaded by:
26 January 2026, 5:00 PM Sharp

5. Await Results (Early March 2026)

If approved, accept the grant terms and begin implementing the workplan by mid-March 2026.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting incomplete or unclear applications
Missing required documents (strategic plans, budgets, CLG documentation)
Failing to demonstrate alignment with the Strategic Plan 2023–2028
Poorly defined monitoring and evaluation plans
Proposing project-based activities instead of core operational work
Missing the strict deadline
Lack of clarity on governance or director remuneration rules

FAQ

1. How much funding can an organisation receive?

Up to €50,000 in core operational support.

2. Can individuals apply?

No. Only non-profit CLGs working in the heritage sector are eligible.

3. Does the fund support project-based work?

No. The fund supports core operations, not one-off projects.

4. What are the key assessment criteria?

Strategic alignment, governance quality, capacity, climate and heritage impact, and strength of workplan.

5. When will results be announced?

Early March 2026.

6. What reporting is required?

Reports in July 2026, October 2026, and a final report by March 2027.

7. Are public engagement activities required?

Yes. Funded organisations must host an in-person National Heritage Week 2026 event.

Conclusion

The Heritage Organisations Support Fund provides essential operational support to Ireland’s heritage nonprofits, helping them build stability, enhance governance, support staff, strengthen environmental impact, and deliver long-lasting public benefit. By focusing on organisational resilience rather than short-term projects, the fund empowers heritage organisations to grow strategically and contribute meaningfully to Ireland’s cultural and natural heritage.