Community Heritage Grant Scheme 2027
Help for heritage groups across Ireland
The first expression-of-interest stage opens on 18 September 2026 and closes on 16 October 2026. It is short, but the project still needs to fit the scheme.
If your historical society or community group is thinking about a digital archive, an oral-history collection or a heritage website under the theme Digital Heritage, Access and Storytelling, we can help you describe it for the expression of interest. The group applies — we don't apply on your behalf. Grants run from €800 to €25,000, and no quotes are needed at stage one.
Key dates
What happens, and when
- 18 September 2026Expressions of interest open
- 16 October 2026Expression-of-interest deadline
- November 2026Shortlisted groups notified
- November 2026 to January 2027Full applications prepared and submitted
- Spring 2027Funding decisions expected
Before you start
Register for the online grants system
If your group has applied before, find the login now and make sure the right person can access it. New applicants should register early rather than waiting for deadline week.
- Confirm who is submitting for the group.
- Find or create the group's grants-system account.
- Keep the group's bank details and contact information together.
A two-stage scheme
The first form is not the full application
The September–October expression of interest gives the Heritage Council a clear first view of your group, project and theme. Shortlisted groups then develop the detail, costs, permissions and delivery plan between November and January.
The five themes
Where does your project fit?
- Heritage at Risk
- Biodiversity and Nature Restoration
- Traditional Skills and Conservation
- Digital Heritage, Access and Storytelling
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Digital projects have a clear place
Digital archives, oral-history collections, searchable records, accessible heritage websites and story-led digital trails may fit under Digital Heritage, Access and Storytelling. The technology should serve the heritage and make it easier for the public to reach.
Plan for Heritage Week
Every funded project needs an in-person event
The 2027 guidance requires every project to host an in-person event during National Heritage Week. Put a realistic public event into the plan from the start rather than treating it as an optional extra.
How Dino Digital can help
Clear help at each stage
- Before 16 October: free help to describe a suitable digital heritage idea for the expression of interest.
- If shortlisted: a defined scope, delivery plan and quote for the full application.
- If funded: build and deliver the approved digital project with the group.
Tom Kennedy combines practical website work with direct experience building searchable local-history archives and digital story trails for Irish community groups.
Your group is the applicant and remains responsible for eligibility, the application and the grant. Dino Digital can explain and price the digital work, but cannot promise funding or make the Heritage Council's decision.
Common questions
What groups ask before applying
Who can apply?
Constituted community and voluntary groups and not-for-profit non-governmental organisations can apply. Private businesses and individuals cannot apply in their own name.
How much can a group apply for?
The 2027 scheme offers grants from €800 to €25,000.
Do we need quotes for the expression of interest?
The expression of interest is the short first stage. If shortlisted, use the full-application period to confirm the scope, costs and supporting documents required by the current guidance.
Can a heritage website be funded?
Digital heritage, access and storytelling is one of the five themes. A website or digital archive still needs a clear heritage purpose, public benefit and realistic delivery plan.
What does the free expression-of-interest help cover?
Dino Digital can help a group describe a digital heritage idea clearly before 16 October. If shortlisted, we can then prepare a defined scope and quote.
Do you work with groups outside Kilkenny?
Yes. Dino Digital works with heritage and community groups across Ireland.
Do we need to register before applying?
Yes. Register for the Heritage Council's online grants system early, or recover the group's existing login before the deadline week.
Can Dino Digital apply on our behalf?
No. The group remains the applicant and is responsible for its application. We can help explain and cost the digital work.
When will groups hear back?
Shortlisted groups are expected to be notified in November 2026. Full applications then run from November into January, with decisions expected in spring 2027.
What happens if we are funded?
We agree the final scope with the group, build the approved digital work and provide the information needed for project reporting. The group remains responsible for the grant and its conditions.
Tell us about your project
If your group is considering a digital archive, heritage website or story trail, tell us what you are trying to preserve and where you are in the process.
Tell us about your projectFree readiness check
Find out what your group needs to sort
Answer 14 plain-English questions. At the end, enter the society name and email to see the report here and receive a copy.