Heritage Council calls on Mayo Community Groups to apply for Grant Scheme

The Heritage Council has launched the 2026 Community Heritage Grant Scheme and is inviting applications from community organisations throughout County Mayo. Grants of between €800 to €25,000 are available under the Scheme, which supports local initiatives that protect, share, and celebrate the built, natural and cultural heritage that matters to communities nationwide.

The scheme supports not‑for‑profit groups including non-governmental organisations, and community and voluntary groups to deliver projects that make heritage more inclusive, promote good practice, and strengthen sustainability.

The annual Scheme supports a wide variety of heritage projects, from practical conservation work to skills development and public engagement. Eligible projects include conservation management plans, surveys, and reports; conservation works to biodiversity sites, historic structures, objects, or collections; and hands-on heritage skills workshops. The Scheme also supports collections care and biodiversity projects, the creation of digital heritage resources, and the purchase of specialised conservation equipment.

The variety of applicants that successfully secured funding in 2025 in Mayo demonstrates the positive impact the scheme has across the heritage field. These included The Michael Davitt Museum Conservation Survey Report, from the The Michael Davitt National Memorial Company CLG, and Deserted Village Slievemore Achill Island - Conservation Management Plan, by Turasoireacht Acla - Achill Tourism.

Virginia Teehan, Chief Executive Officer of the Heritage Council, said; “The Community Heritage Grant Scheme is one of the most important ways we support local stewardship of Ireland’s heritage. Each year, we see community groups bring extraordinary creativity in developing ways to care and promote the places, stories, and natural environments that matter to them. This scheme empowers people to take meaningful action, whether that be restoring a historic structure, conserving biodiversity, or creating new ways for the public to connect with their local heritage. We are continually inspired by the ambition of these projects, and we look forward to supporting communities across the country once again in 2026.”

Mayo County Council Heritage Officer, Deirdre Cunningham, said; “This Scheme gives local groups the resources and confidence to build on the county’s exceptional heritage. Last year alone, we welcomed over €100,000 to important projects on Achill Island, the Michael Davitt Museum and the Ballina Convent Regeneration. This funding can make a real and lasting difference to the local area. I strongly encourage groups across the county to consider applying.”

Applications are now open and must be submitted via the Heritage Council’s online grants management system by 8pm on March 20. Successful projects must be completed by November 13. A Webinar on the application process is available on the Heritage Council’s website.  For further details, visit: https://www.heritagecouncil.ie/funding/community-heritage-grant-scheme-2

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