Westmeath arts and culture groups urged to apply for €430,000 grant scheme

Arts, culture and community organisations across Westmeath are being encouraged to apply for a new funding initiative which will distribute at least €430,000 to projects across the island of Ireland.

The Ireland Funds has opened applications for its Heart of the Community Fund | Arts and Culture grant round, with eligible non-profit organisations in Westmeath among those being invited to apply.

Grants ranging from €5,000 to €25,000 will be awarded to organisations working to promote, preserve and develop the arts, as well as community groups delivering arts-based programmes and projects.

Applications opened on Monday, September 14, and will remain open until 5pm on Friday, October 2, 2026. Information workshops will also be held during the application period, both online and in person.

The Ireland Funds said the initiative is designed to provide practical and flexible support to organisations working at the heart of their communities, helping them respond to local needs, strengthen their capacity and increase the impact of their work.

Arts and culture organisations can apply for core funding to support their ongoing activities and operations. Community organisations seeking funding for an arts-based programme must outline how the funding will be used, with expenditure directly related to the project.

The grant round comes during The Ireland Funds' 50th anniversary year, marking five decades of philanthropy and partnership.

Caitriona Fottrell, President and CEO of The Ireland Funds, said arts organisations and community groups play an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local identity.

“The Ireland Funds is committed to expanding access to the arts, supporting creative practice and protecting Ireland’s cultural heritage,” she said.

Ms Fottrell added that the latest funding would provide organisations with the flexibility to sustain existing work, develop new ideas and extend their reach within their communities.

This is the second Heart of the Community Fund round to be launched by The Ireland Funds in 2026.

Earlier this year, €858,000 in grants was awarded to organisations across 21 counties in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Those grants supported a wide range of areas including education, youth development, disability services, literacy, social inclusion and community resilience.

With Westmeath home to a wide range of arts, cultural and community organisations, the latest funding represents an opportunity for local groups to secure support for both established activities and new initiatives.

Applications must be submitted through The Ireland Funds website, where guidelines and further information are available.

The application deadline is 5pm on October 2.