9th March 2026: The Ireland Funds, the global philanthropic network, has opened applications for the first round of its Heart of the Community Fund 2026. The fund will offer $1,000,000 in grants to support non-profits delivering vital services across the Island of Ireland. Applications are open until Friday, 20th March 2026.
This year, The Ireland Funds will award grants through two targeted rounds of the Heart of the Community Fund. The first round of funding will prioritise organisations that provide access to education and learning across all age levels, and organisations utilising innovative solutions to address new or existing problems.
The Ireland Funds recognises the challenges organisations face in securing support to build capacity or meet their core costs. The Heart of the Community Fund 2026 will continue to support organisations on the island of Ireland delivering meaningful impact in their communities. Grants between €5,000 to €25,000 will be awarded.
Caitriona Fottrell, President and CEO of The Ireland Funds, said: “The Heart of the Community Fund reflects our commitment to being both responsive and strategic in how we support communities across the island of Ireland. Our aim is to provide flexible funding where it is needed most. This positive impact is only possible thanks to the continued generosity of our donors.”
Through the Heart of the Community Fund 2025, grants were awarded to 104 organisations on the island of Ireland under the four pillars of support for Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education and Peace & Reconciliation. These included Dogs for the Disabled (Cork); Liquid Therapy (Donegal); COPE (Galway); Belvedere Youth Club (Dublin); Midlands Science (Offaly); and 174 Trust (Belfast).
Round two will open in September 2026 and will focus on Arts and Culture organisations. For more information on The Ireland Funds Heart of the Community Fund 2026, please visit: irelandfunds.org/grants.
About The Ireland Funds
The Ireland Funds is a global philanthropic network established in 1976 to promote and support peace, culture, education and community development throughout the island of Ireland, and Irish-related causes around the world. It has benefited the work of thousands of different organisations, with both financial and non-financial support. Today, The Ireland Funds is one of the largest independent grant makers for the not-for-profit sector in Ireland.