Live Grant Applications
Cork City Council Invites Communities to Apply for Funding from €260,000 Development Grants Scheme
Cork City Council is inviting applications for its €260,000 Community Development Grant programme 2026 which will help fund grassroots projects that make a real difference.
The funding will be made available in two streams – with €160,000 available under the Community Association Capital Grants scheme and €100,000 available under the Small Scale Programme Grant scheme.
The Community Associations Capital Grant stream can fund recognised community associations across Cork City for capital or building maintenance work.
The Small Scale Programme Grant stream can fund community groups in the Cork City area for once-off, small scale programme activities, excluding arts and sports activities.
Last year, the Small Scale Programme Grants scheme helped fund:
- some summer camp programmes;
- monthly tea dances for the elderly;
- an international camp for girl guides;
- the organisation of a parent and toddler group;
- a family fun day in Blackpool;
- and the purchase of a composter for a community garden.
Last year, the larger Community Association Capital Grant stream helped fund:
- the replacement and repair of a roof on a community centre;
- the installation of a fence on community centre grounds;
- enhanced energy efficiency works in a community hub;
- elements of flood relief works;
- the purchase of IT equipment;
- and new flooring in a sports hall.
The money is specifically aimed at grassroots projects – ideas that come from the community, for the community.
Whether it’s improving shared spaces, supporting cultural activities, or creating programmes that bring people together, Cork City Council wants to fund projects and ideas that support and strengthen communities.
Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, encouraged recognised community groups to apply for the funding.
“These funding streams represent great opportunities to support communities and associations right across the city,” the Lord Mayor said.
“Many of our community organisations do incredible work on the ground, very often on a voluntary basis, and they truly are the backbone of our city.
“It is important that we acknowledge and support them through these grants, whether for larger capital projects or smaller-scale initiatives, all of which make a real and lasting difference to our communities and to our citizens.
“I am personally delighted to see these projects develop further in 2026.”
The Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan, said the council is proud to support community groups through this funding programme.
“Cork City Council welcomes this round of funding for community projects across our city,” the Chief Executive said.
“The funding is aimed at grassroots projects which deliver a vast range of important and quality services and supports locally.
“These grants will provide much needed additional funding to communities.”
Further details about the Community Development Grant programmes, including the on-line application form for funding, can be found at www.corkcity.ie and the Submit Portal https://submit.link/4a9
The closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm 2nd February 2026.
Further information:
Cork City Council’s Planning and Integrated Development Directorate launched the Neighbourhood Profiles Digital Hub last August, an interactive version of the 2025 Neighbourhood Profile Report.
This report, based on 2022 census data, analysed social-demographics, employment, housing and commuting patterns, for example, at a neighbourhood level.
The insight available through the ‘Digital Hub’ enables communities citywide to have greater analytical knowledge of their communities and may help identify deficiencies where funding opportunities may be of assistance.
You can explore the Digital Hub at the following link:
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/a1a514971ced4c2292305956dcccdfcb/page/Home
The 2025 Neighbourhood Profiles report can be found here:
https://publications.corkcity.ie/view/458292446/34/
Cork City Council Opens its 2026 Local Heritage and Biodiversity Grants Schemes
Caption: Through the 2025 scheme, University College Cork commissioned an artwork representing the fossils of Cork city and its rich geological heritage.
Two Cork City Council grants aimed at supporting local heritage and biodiversity are now open for applications. The grants acknowledge and support the tremendous work that is carried out by local heritage groups and organisations across the city to protect, enhance and promote heritage and biodiversity.
The Local Heritage and Biodiversity Community Grant Scheme is aimed at providing core funding in the form of small grants for local, community-based heritage groups and individuals who are involved in ongoing work that benefits the heritage and biodiversity of Cork City. Funding of between €200 and €1,000 is available per grant. Previous projects funded include a winter series of archaeological lectures, training on natural heritage, exhibitions on local history, podcasts on the bridges of Cork and events such as the Coal Quay Festival and the Mother Jones Festival.
The Local Heritage and Biodiversity Publication Grant Scheme is aimed at supporting the publication and printing of high-quality publications on local heritage topics, which raise awareness and appreciation of local heritage and biodiversity. Funding of between €1,000 and €4,000 is available per publication grant. A total of up to €12,000 will be available for this grant scheme. 14 books have been supported through this grant since 2015 and include publications on topics such as St Josephs Cemetery, The contribution of Cork women during the revolutionary years, the history of the LGBT community in Cork and the history of the Fire Service in Cork to name a few.
The Closing Date for receipt of application forms for this grant scheme is 11am on 6th of February 2026.
For an application form please contact: heritage@corkcity.ie
Application forms can also be downloaded here https://www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/services/arts-culture-heritage/heritage/heritage-grants/
These grant schemes are an action from the Cork City Heritage Plan 2021-2026.
Caption: The 2025 Community Heritage Grant Scheme funded an information panel on Spring Lane Traveller Heritage Project in conjunction with the Cork Traveller Women’s Network.
Cork City Council opens €200,000 Fund to Help Revitalise the City’s Main Retail Street
Cork City Council is inviting applications to a €200,000 fund to help revitalise the city’s main retail street and strengthen its visual appeal.
The City Centre Façade Improvement Grant 2026 will provide financial assistance of up to €10,000 to the owners of individual properties on St Patrick’s Street to help them enhance their building frontages, and to help create a more attractive and welcoming city centre and boost economic vibrancy.
The fund, which is being overseen by the City Council’s City Centre Development and Operations Directorate (CCDOD), was agreed at the city council’s December 2025 meeting. It is now open for applications.
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Fergal Dennehy, welcomed the launch of the scheme.
“This is a hugely positive step in supporting building owners and businesses to refresh the heart of the city,” the Lord Mayor said.
“This Cork City Council initiative will help brighten façades, enhance the overall streetscape, and create a more inviting environment for shoppers, workers, and visitors alike.
“It’s exactly the type of practical, visible action that shows Cork City Council’s commitment to maintaining a vibrant and attractive city centre.”
The Chief Executive of Cork City Council, Valerie O’Sullivan, encouraged building owners to apply for funding.
“By taking part, property owners on Cork’s prime retail street can play an active role in the ongoing renewal of the city centre, helping to strengthen pride of place and contribute to a more welcoming urban experience for all,” the Chief Executive said.
“With Cork City Council placing a renewed focus on the city centre, this scheme is a great opportunity to be part of the positive change happening right now.”
The owners of properties located between St Augustine’s Church at the southern end of St Patrick’s Street, and Lavitt’s Quay/Merchant’s Quay at the northern end, are eligible to apply to the scheme, which has two key funding elements:
- St Patrick’s Street Painting Grant Scheme
This element is designed to help improve building façades through painting and minor external works. Grant supports of up to €5,000, or 25% of the costs of the work (excluding VAT), whichever is lower, will be made available. - St Patrick’s Street Shopfront Grant Scheme
This element is focused on helping to upgrade and restore shopfronts at street level and will encourage businesses to adopt traditional designs that enhance the historic streetscape. Grant support of up to €5,000, or 25% of costs (excluding VAT), whichever is lower, will be made available.
The initiative aligns with the objectives of the City Development Plan, which seeks to protect and enhance Cork’s historic streetscape while promoting high-quality shop design and reinforce the character of key retail areas.
The initiative will encourage the use of traditional materials, the use of sensitive signage, and visually appealing façades that reflect Cork city’s unique identity.
Business owners may apply for funding under both funding elements for a single property, and applications will also be accepted where property owners are in receipt of other grant aid, such as the vacant property grant.
Cork City Council is delighted to announce that a number of trade partners will offer exclusive discounts to successful applicants on painting materials and certain other equipment to help reduce the overall cost of the works.
The City Council is also waiving a range of scaffolding and hoarding fees to encourage applications and wider take‑up of the grant scheme.
Full terms and conditions, and application forms, are available here https://www.corkcity.ie/en/doing-business-in-cork/business-supports/grants/ or by scanning this QR code.
The closing date for completed applications is Thursday 26th March 2026.
Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis having regards to value for money and positive impact on the St Patrick’s Street streetscape.
It is expected that successful applicants will be notified before April 2026.