Deadline: 26-Feb-2026

The Creative Health and Wellbeing Grant Program supports projects across Ireland that use creativity to improve health, inclusion and community wellbeing. With two major funding strands for regional and cross-border collaborations, the programme strengthens the link between creativity and public health outcomes while supporting national health strategies.

Introduction

The Creative Health and Wellbeing Grant Program is a national initiative dedicated to transforming communities across Ireland by connecting creativity with health and wellbeing. Rooted in the belief that everyone should have access to their creative potential, the programme invests in partnerships that use arts, culture and community engagement to support healthier, more resilient societies.

Programme Vision and Foundations

Creative Ireland’s work is guided by five strategic pillars:

• Creative Youth

• Creative Communities

• Creative Health & Wellbeing

• Creative Climate Action

• Creative Industries

The programme is built on international and national evidence showing that cultural participation significantly improves physical, emotional and social wellbeing. It also contributes to stronger community bonds, lifelong learning and improved mental health outcomes.

Strategic Health Alignment

This grant programme supports Ireland’s major national health strategies, including:

• Healthy Ireland Framework

• Pathways to Wellbeing

• HSE Mental Health Promotion Plan

• National Traveller Health Action Plan

• National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People

Creative Ireland works closely with the Department of Health, Healthy Ireland, the HSE and the Arts Council to integrate creativity into public health policy and practice.

Funding Strands

Strand A: Local Authority and HSE Health Region Collaboration

Funding: Up to €70,000 per project in 2026, with similar funding anticipated for 2027.
Project Duration: Mid-2026 to end-2027.

Key Requirements:

• Partnership between at least two local authorities aligned with HSE Health Regions

• Active involvement from Creative Ireland teams, Healthy Ireland teams, cultural/creative organisations and relevant community or health officers

• Projects must address health and wellbeing through creativity in a measurable, community-focused way

Strand B: Shared Island Creative Partnerships

Funding: Up to €90,000 per project in 2026, with potential continuation in 2027.
Project Duration: Mid-2026 to end-2028.

Purpose:

• Support collaborations between local authorities in the Republic of Ireland and organisations in Northern Ireland

• Strengthen north–south or east–west cooperation

• Encourage meaningful in-person creative engagement and long-term relationship building

• Align with the Shared Island initiative’s goals of cross-border community connection and cooperation

What the Fund Supports

Projects under both strands should use creativity as a practical tool for improving health and wellbeing. Eligible concepts may include:

• Creative programmes supporting positive mental health

• Arts-based initiatives for older adults

• Inclusion-focused projects for disabled communities

• Creative approaches to chronic disease prevention

• Programmes enhancing end-of-life care and bereavement support

• Activities that link with social prescribing services

• Community-building programmes using culture to improve resilience

Projects must show how creative methods will result in measurable improvements aligned with national or all-island health objectives.

Who Is Eligible?

• Local authorities in the Republic of Ireland

• Cross-border partnerships (for Strand B) involving organisations in Northern Ireland

• Cultural, creative, community, health and public service partners working collaboratively

• Applicants capable of delivering large, multi-stakeholder programmes

Why This Grant Matters

• Strengthens the national integration of creativity and health

• Supports inclusive, community-based approaches to wellbeing

• Encourages regional and cross-border cooperation

• Helps embed creativity within public policy and public health systems

• Addresses critical issues such as mental health, ageing, disability inclusion and social cohesion

How to Apply

1. Identify your strand (A or B) based on geographic scope and partnership structure.

2. Build a multi-stakeholder partnership involving local authorities and relevant cultural/health partners.

3. Design a project that uses creativity to address specific health or wellbeing outcomes.

4. Align the proposal with national health strategies and, where possible, social prescribing practices.

5. Prepare a detailed project plan including timelines, budget, monitoring and evaluation framework and measurable indicators.

6. Submit the proposal in accordance with Creative Ireland’s application guidelines and deadlines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Vague health outcomes without measurable indicators

• Weak or symbolic partnerships lacking clear roles

• Projects that do not align with national health strategies

• Insufficient community engagement or lack of participatory design

• Proposals with unrealistic timelines or budgets

• Overly arts-focused proposals without clear health/wellbeing relevance

FAQ

1. Who can apply for the Creative Health and Wellbeing Grant Program?
Local authorities, cross-border partnerships and collaborating cultural, health and community organisations.

2. What types of projects are eligible?
Any creative or cultural initiative that demonstrably supports physical, mental or social wellbeing and aligns with national health strategies.

3. Are partnerships required?
Yes. Strand A requires at least two local authorities; Strand B requires cross-border collaboration.

4. Can funding continue beyond one year?
Yes. Funding in 2027 is expected for strong projects under both strands.

5. Does the project need to use social prescribing?
Where possible, yes, especially if it can boost participation and health outcomes.

6. How long can projects run?
Strand A: mid-2026 to end-2027.
Strand B: mid-2026 to end-2028.

7. What budget levels are available?
Strand A: up to €70,000 (2026).
Strand B: up to €90,000 (2026).

Conclusion

The Creative Health and Wellbeing Grant Program offers a major opportunity to strengthen the connection between creativity, public health and community resilience across Ireland. By fostering strong partnerships, encouraging cross-border collaboration and investing in evidence-based creative approaches, the fund aims to ensure that creativity remains a vital force for wellbeing and social transformation.

For more information, visit Department of Culture, Communications and Sport