Minister Richmond opens call for applications to Civil Society Fund
- Published on: 8 September 2025
- Last updated on: 8 September 2025
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, today launched the call for applications to the 2026 Civil Society Fund. This Fund supports NGOs to implement projects in countries which are eligible to receive Official Development Assistance.
Inviting applications, Minster Richmond said:
“I have seen first-hand the incredible work of Irish Aid’s NGO partners around the world. Irish NGOs play a vital role in saving lives and supporting vulnerable communities to build better futures for themselves and their families.
“The Civil Society Fund supports NGOs to carry out development projects in key sectors such as education, health, human rights and peacebuilding. Support for civil society is absolutely critical and is central to the work of Irish Aid. Our NGO partners are also strong advocates for human rights, a role that is increasingly important in the face of growing global conflict, worsening humanitarian crises, rising hunger, and the ever increasing threat of climate change.
“I look forward to receiving high quality applications to the 2026 Civil Society Fund which will help improve the lives of those furthest behind.”
The Civil Society Fund (CSF) primarily supports Irish NGOs to carry out specific development projects overseas of up to five years duration. A limited number of international NGOs working on human rights are also invited to apply. The maximum available grant is €800,000 per annum. The total allocation for the fund in 2025 was €7.8 million.
The call for proposals to the 2026 Civil Society Fund opens today. The closing date for receipt of Eligibility Forms is 5pm on 19 September 2025.
Responses to eligibility applications will issue by end-September 2025, and application forms will follow by email to eligible organisations. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5pm on 10 November 2025.
Full information and relevant documentation is available here
8 September 2025
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Irish Aid, the Government’s Development Cooperation Programme, is managed by the Development Cooperation and Africa Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. For further information go to the Irish Aid website
- The Civil Society Fund (CSF) primarily supports Irish NGOs – mainly small to medium sized organisations - to carry out specific development projects overseas of up to five years duration. A limited number of international NGOs working on human rights are also invited to apply. The total allocation for the fund in 2025 was €7.8 million and the maximum available grant is €800,000 per annum.
- Ireland’s partnership with NGOs recognises the importance of small to medium civil society in delivering essential services and support to the most vulnerable, and in bringing about positive change.