Funding for community groups: every route, in one place

The hardest part of community funding is not the form, it is working out which door to knock on. Most groups find one scheme, apply, get refused because it was the wrong fit, and conclude there is nothing available.

Here is the map — what each route actually funds, and the one contact worth making first.

Start here: your Public Participation Network

"Public Participation Networks are designed to identify and respond to the needs and priorities of their communities. Each of Ireland’s 31 local authority areas has a PPN."

The Department itself points groups there first: "Community groups are encouraged to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN), to ensure they are aware of all existing funding opportunities."

A PPN knows which calls are open locally right now, which no national page can tell you. It is free to join and it is the single most useful hour a new committee can spend.

LEADER — rural development projects

"LEADER is a community-led approach to local development that supports private enterprises and community groups who improve quality of life and economic activity in rural areas."

Note that it covers private enterprises as well as community groups — a detail that surprises small rural businesses.

"Funding is delivered to 28 sub regional areas through Local Action Groups (LAGs)." So the decisions are made locally, by a partnership in your own area, rather than centrally.

Local Enhancement Programme — small capital supports

"The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) provides capital supports essential for many small community groups and organisations, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas."

This is the one for equipment and modest improvements rather than buildings. It has changed name repeatedly — it was the Community Enhancement Programme from 2018, the Community Support Fund in 2022, and the Local Enhancement Programme since 2024, which is why older advice sends people looking for a scheme that appears not to exist.

Buildings: community centres and town centres

Community Centres Investment Fund. "It provides funding for investments in community centres in order that these vital services remain useable, accessible, and safe and continue to meet the needs of the community into the future."

On the refurbishment measure: "Funding is being made available under 2 Categories, with grants of between €10,000 and €100,000 available: Category 1: Small scale projects and improvements to facilities - €10,000 to €25,000 Category 2 Larger scale projects - €25,001 to €100,000"

Town and Village Renewal. Aimed at town centres, and one measure is unusually direct: "The Measure supports local authorities in immediately acquiring up to three derelict or vacant buildings or land." If a derelict building is blighting your village, that is the route to raise with the council.

Outdoor recreation

"The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS) provides funding for the development of new outdoor recreational infrastructure. It also provides support for the necessary repair, maintenance, enhancement or promotion of existing outdoor recreational infrastructure in rural areas across Ireland."

Walking trails, river access, playgrounds and greenways all sit here. Note that it covers maintenance and promotion, not only new build — groups that already run a trail often assume there is nothing for them.

Common questions

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