Monaghan County Council is pleased to announce that applications for its 2026 grant funding streams are now open, as of Monday, 17th November 2025. The Council is committed to providing high-quality, sustainable public services that enhance the economic, environmental, and cultural wellbeing of our people and county. These annual grant schemes have supported communities across Monaghan for many years and continue to evolve to meet changing needs.
Opening the schemes earlier this year allows applicants more time to plan and prepare projects, secure match funding if required, and coordinate with partners well in advance.
Cathaoirleach of Monaghan County Council, PJ O’Hanlon stated:
“These grants are an investment in the creativity, resilience, and sustainability of our communities. By opening applications earlier, we are giving groups and individuals the time they need to plan ambitious projects that will enrich life in County Monaghan throughout 2026.”
Chief Executive Robert Burns added:
“It is Monaghan County Council’s mission to listen to our community and to continue supporting it through our annual grant schemes into the future. We have recently implemented a new policy to ensure a more strategic and streamlined approach so that limited resources deliver maximum benefit for the community at large.”
Details on each funding stream available are as follows:
Arts
The Arts Partnership Grant Scheme is open to ARTS organisations, festivals, and projects that are based in Co Monaghan. Applicants must demonstrate a track record of achievement in the delivery of the arts in the County. The scheme’s focus is firmly placed on the Artist, public engagement and activities that have the Arts at their core. The total funds available under this scheme will not exceed €85,000.
The Artists support scheme values & support the work of the Artist. We recognise that we have a responsibility to provide assistance to artists, so that they can be supported in their professional development. The scheme is open to any individual artist who can demonstrate a track record. The Artistic criteria will include those of you who consider yourselves Emerging talent as well those of you who have been recognised by your peers as an Established Artist. We have up to 22 bursaries available with a total fund of €21,000.
Community Development Fund
This fund promotes community development and social inclusion by supporting programme-based projects rather than capital works. Examples include local heritage publications, community fun days, and educational or social inclusion programmes. Council funding may also be used as part of the community’s contribution for a large project (sometimes known as match funding).
The maximum grant per project is €3,000. Applications are welcome from community groups based in County Monaghan, and from organisations outside the county if their project benefits Monaghan residents. Groups can only make ONE application. Any extra applications will be declared ineligible and will not be assessed.
Environment, Biodiversity & Circular Economy Fund
Monaghan County Council invites applications for projects that enhance environmental awareness, sustainability, and community-led environmental action. With a total fund of €90,000, this scheme empowers local groups to deliver impactful environmental projects that benefit their communities and contribute to a greener Monaghan.
The type of projects supported by this fund include biodiversity enhancement initiatives, waste reduction and recycling programmes, community clean-ups and green space improvements, and environmental education programmes.
Seachtain na Gaeilge
Cuirfidh Coiste na Gaeilge de chuid Chomhairle Contae Mhuineacháin maoiniú ar fáil do ghrúpaí pobail sa chontae chun imeachtaí Gaeilge a reáchtáil le linn Sheachtain na Gaeilge 2026. Tá sé mar aidhm ag an tionscnamh seo an Ghaeilge a cheiliúradh agus a chur chun cinn trí ghníomhaíochtaí cultúrtha, ceardlanna agus cruinnithe pobail.
Monaghan County Council’s Coiste na Gaeilge will provide funding to community groups in the county to host Irish-language events during Seachtain na Gaeilge 2026. This initiative aims to celebrate and promote the Irish language through cultural activities, workshops, and community gatherings.
Tourism
Monaghan County Council offers two strands of tourism funding to support festivals and events that attract visitors to the county.
The first strand, the Monaghan County Council Tourism Festival Funding Programme, supports small, tourism-focused festivals and events that drive local visitor numbers, supporting local and community event organisers. The scheme provides fund amounts of a maximum of €2,000 per event and it is envisaged a minimum of five events will receive support from this fund.
The second strand, the Fáilte Ireland Regional Festivals & Participative Events Funding Scheme, supports larger-scale regional festivals and events that drive domestic tourism and international visitors, increase overnight stays, boost the local economy and raise awareness of the region internationally.
Closing dates for applications are:
- Arts, Seachtain na Gaeilge, Tourism – Friday, 19th December 2025
- Community Grants – Friday, 2nd January 2026
- Environment – Friday 9th January 2026
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
For guidelines and application forms, visit: monaghan.ie/grants
Contact for Assistance:
Arts: artsoffice@monaghancoco.ie | 047-38162
Community: communityfund@monaghancoco.ie | 047-73720
Environment: environmentfund@monaghancoco.ie | 042-9661240
Seachtain na Gaeilge: noconnor@monaghancoco.ie
Tourism: tourism@monaghancoco.ie