Heart of the
Community Fund
The Heart of the Community Fund supports grassroots non-profit organizations working across the island of Ireland to deliver vital supports and services.
Jump To:
Good Work,
Stronger Communities
Grants support youth services, elder care, food programs, mental health, and many other local initiatives that promote social inclusion, improve well-being, and strengthen community resilience.
The Heart of the Community Fund is:
Supporting all four areas of The Ireland Funds’ focus
Investing in grassroots, community-focused work
Listening to community leaders to provide flexible funding where it’s needed most
Helping to build capacity or meet core costs
Heart of the Community Fund 2026
This year, The Ireland Funds will award $1 million in grants through two targeted rounds of the Heart of the Community Fund.
Round 1: Education and Innovation
Open 19 February – 20 March 2026
The first open call grant round is prioritizing applications from organizations working in two areas: education and innovation.
- Education: This priority focuses on organizations providing access to learning, both formal and informal, across all age levels.
- Innovation: This priority supports organizations taking innovative approaches to address a problem, either by creating something new or enhancing an existing solution.
This grant round is currently closed.
Round 2: Arts and Culture
Will open September 2026
Further details for this round will be available later in the year. If you are an arts organization, please submit your application in this round.
Contact Us
Please contact us if you have queries not addressed in the information provided.
Workshops
We offer informational grant workshops to help organizations make the most of their time and effort when applying for a grant.
Workshops Are Free and Cover:
The Ireland Funds’ grant-making process
Our program areas and funding priorities
Tips for strong applications and avoiding common mistakes
Time for participants’ questions
Upcoming Workshops
Check back here for information about upcoming workshops.
Caitriona Fottrell
President and CEO, The Ireland Funds
“The Heart of the Community Fund reflects our commitment to being both responsive and strategic in how we support communities. 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.”
Tony O’Reilly
Co-Founder, The Ireland Funds
“From Belfast to Bantry Bay, I have seen the miracles wrought by people of great heart who are fighting unemployment, homelessness, bigotry, despair and neglect. Now, when there is a renewed desire for peace and reconciliation in Ireland, The Ireland Funds has a historic role to play.”
Daisyhouse Housing Association
“The thing I love about The Ireland Funds is that they understand the nuances of organizations. They trust organizations.”
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