Minister Foley announces €1.5 million in funding to support LGBTIQ+ people through the opening of the 2026 LGBTIQ+ Community Services Funding Call
- Published on: 23 March 2026
- Last updated on: 23 March 2026
- 2026 Applications can be made from 23 March 2026 – 30 April 2026
- €1,500,000 is being made available to applicant groups, operating at national, regional and local level, to support community services and promote visibility and inclusion of LGBTIQ+ people
- Funding aims to promote inclusion, protect rights and to improve quality of life and wellbeing for LGBTIQ+ people in Ireland.
- Grant scheme is open to applications from existing LGBTIQ+ non-government organisations and community organisations working with LGBTIQ+ people.
The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley today announced that applications can now be made for funding from the LGBTIQ+ Community Services fund.
The 2026 LGBTIQ+ Community Services Funding Call is an important element in supporting the implementation of the National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy II 2024-2028, which was published in June 2025.
Announcing the opening of the 2026 fund, Minister Foley said:
“I am very pleased to announce the opening of the 2026 LGBTIQ+ Community Services Fund which provides vital funding for projects at a national, regional and local level to ensure that LGBTIQ+ persons across Ireland can avail of crucial services and continue to flourish in their communities.
"The 2026 LGBTIQ+ Community Services Funding Call is an important element in achieving the overall objective of the National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy II. Provision of this funding underscores the Government’s commitment to continue to support the LGBTI+ community, fostering a safe, fair, and inclusive society; a society in which they can live inclusive, healthy, and fulfilling lives.”
Application details for the LGBTIQ+ Community Services Fund
There are two streams of funding under the LGBTIQ+ Community Services Fund
- Scheme A is open to applications from existing LGBTIQ+ NGOs and community organisations working with the LGBTIQ+ community to support new initiatives and to maintain and enhance existing services and initiatives.
- Scheme B will provide small grants to organisations for projects that promote visibility and inclusion of LGBTIQ+ persons.
All applications must be submitted electronically.
Applications for funding will remain open until 12pm on Thursday, 30 April 2026. Groups can access a detailed guidance document and complete an online application form at the following links:
Scheme A –
https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/Scheme-A
Scheme B –
https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/Scheme-B
ENDS//
Notes to Editor
Applications for Funding will be assessed according to the following criteria:
- Strategic fit to the thematic pillars outlined in the National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy II 2024-2028 and achieving the goals of the Scheme
- Strength of proposal, including how the planned activities will improve services and meet the current unmet needs of the LGBTIQ+ community.
- Capacity of applicant organisation to deliver work programme, including whether the applicant organisation has a history of working with the LGBTIQ+ Community and track record on delivering specific programmes related to supporting the LGBTIQ+ Community.
- Financial management and value for money.