Grant Funding 2025: What is Out There and How Do I Apply?
It’s all in here! Our comprehensive guide to all the funding and supports available to get your outdoor fitness or recreation project moving!
We have tried to keep it concise while providing the information you need. We have even made it into a handy downloadable PDF here.
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If you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to get in touch with us and we will do our best to help.
OK, let’s get into it…
Rural Regeneration & Development Fund
What is it?
A scheme which promises €1 billion over 8 years up to 2027 to be invested in rural Ireland.
What can be funded?
Development of recreation & leisure facilities, infrastructure, refurbishment of buildings or facilities, job creation projects, and more
Who is eligible?
Towns with fewer than 10,000 people.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted by 12pm on Friday the 14th of March 2025 by your Local Authority. Contact your LA today and ask them about the process for your
region. This is a great funding source so don’t miss this one.
More Information
CLÁR Programme
What is it?
This is a targeted investment programme which provides funding for small scale infrastructural projects in rural areas that have suffered the greatest levels of population decline.
What can be funded?
Grants from €5,000 to €50,000 are being provided to support the development of community and sports facilities, youth clubs, playgrounds, sensory gardens, walking tracks and much more.
Who is eligible?
Areas targeted under the CLÁR Programme are parts of counties: Carlow, Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Longford, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo, Tipperary, Waterford, Westmeath, Wicklow and all of County Leitrim.
How do I apply?
Applications are expected to open before the end of March 2025.
More Information
Sports Capital
What is it?
The Sports Capital programme funds capital expenditure on projects that are sporting in nature. Its broad remit is to enhance and improve sports facilities and increase participation in sports and physical activity across Ireland.
Who is eligible?
Any voluntary, not-for-profit sports club, community group, NGB, or local authority. Educational facilities may apply jointly with one of the aforementioned groups.
How do I apply?
Applications have not opened yet for 2025 but going by past years it will open during the summer and close around September/October. Applications are to be made online www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie.
More Information
LEADER
What is it?
One of the largest sources of funding available to towns and villages across Ireland. The LEADER Programme supports the local development of Ireland’s rural areas – defined as all parts of Ireland outside of the five main cities.
What can be funded?
Any project which supports or improves rural tourism, enterprise development, infrastructure and more.
Who is eligible?
Any town or village outside of the five main cities.
How do I apply?
Funding is delivered to “Local Action Groups” or “LAGS”. The LAGS then administer the funding to specific projects. Therefore, applications must be made via your local LAG. The list of LAGS is available here.
More Information
Town and Village Renewal Scheme
What is it?
This scheme provides funding to increase the attractiveness of a town or village, as a local commercial and social centre, as a place in which to live and work, enhance the environment and amenities, and promote the town or village’s potential for tourism.
What can be funded?
Development of parks & green spaces, acquisition of plots of land, refurbishment of community centres, local infrastructure, and more.
Who is eligible?
Towns or villages with fewer than 10,000 people.
How do I apply?
No announcement yet on 2025 applications, but going by last year they opened in Q1 2024 and closed in April 2024, so stay in touch with your local authority. Applications can only be made by your LA so they will decide which local projects to put forward.
More Information
Community Recognition Fund
What is it?
The Community Recognition Fund aims to support the development of community infrastructure and facilities for the entire community in recognition of the contribution being made by communities across the country in welcoming and hosting arrivals from Ukraine and other countries.
What can be funded?
While last year aimed at smaller projects, the 2024 fund provides for capital expenditure on projects with a value of €50,000 to €500,000. Projects can be almost anything that enhances or improves the community – enhancing parks and walkways, building infrastructure, sports facilities, recreation facilities and much more.
Who is eligible?
Funding is allocated based on the number of arrivals in each local authority area. If your local community has welcomed new arrivals, then it should be eligible.
How do I apply?
Different Local Authorities have opened their applications at different times. Most are closed now but contact your own LA for information for your area. No information has been released yet on a new scheme for 2025 and beyond.
The link below contains more information as well as links to each local authority’s individual information page.
More Information
Urban Regeneration & Development Fund
What is it?
The urban version of the Rural scheme mentioned earlier, promising €2 billion up to 2030. As announced in Budget 2025, funding under the URDF will increase to €186 million for 2025 to provide support to urban regeneration and development projects.
What can be funded?
Similar to the scheme above; development of recreation & leisure facilities, infrastructure, refurbishment of buildings or facilities, job creation projects, measures to address building vacancy, and more.
Who is eligible?
The five cities and their metropolitan areas, and towns with greater than 10,000 people.
How do I apply?
You will need to contact your Local Authority and ask them directly about this one as they may have different opening and closing dates.
More Information
Local Enhancement Programme
What is it?
€6 million in funding to provide capital supports for community groups and organisations across the country, particularly those who serve disadvantaged areas in rural and urban areas. The scheme provides a particular focus on small capital works/improvements, and the purchase of equipment for community use.
What can be funded?
Development of parks & green spaces, acquisition of plots of land, refurbishment of community centres, local infrastructure, and more.
Who is eligible?
Any not-for-profit community or voluntary group can apply.
How do I apply?
Online applications must be completed by the chairperson, secretary or treasurer of the community group. Applications for 2025 closed at the end of January, but more
funding is set to be provided in future. Stay in touch with your local councillor and local authority to keep informed.
More Information
Hit the button below to download all of the information into a handy printable PDF. And please get in touch if you have any questions or if there is anything we can help with!
