Community organisations across Ireland can apply for a share of €2m through the 2027 LGBTIQ+ Community Services Fund. The grants are designed to support existing services and new projects that improve inclusion, visibility and wellbeing, with two funding routes available. Applications are open until 16 December 2027, giving groups time to plan proposals that meet local needs.
€2m is on the table for LGBTIQ+ services
Ireland's 2027 LGBTIQ+ Community Services Fund is offering €2m to support organisations and projects serving the LGBTIQ+ community. The Department of Children, Disability and Equality says the call is open to applicants seeking to develop services or strengthen existing work. (Department of Children, Disability and Equality, 2027 funding call)
The funding is split into two schemes, so applicants can pursue larger organisational support or a smaller project grant. That distinction matters: a group sustaining a regular service may have different needs from a team organising a one-off visibility initiative. (Department of Children, Disability and Equality, 2027 funding call; Grants and Funding)
Which grant scheme suits your project?
Scheme A offers grants of €25,000 to €100,000 for existing LGBTIQ+ organisations and community organisations. The money can support new initiatives or help maintain and improve services already in place. (Department of Children, Disability and Equality, 2027 funding call)
Scheme B offers smaller grants of €5,000 to €10,000 for projects promoting the visibility and inclusion of LGBTIQ+ people. For applicants, the first practical step is to match the project's purpose and scale to the relevant scheme, then check the official call details before applying. (Department of Children, Disability and Equality, 2027 funding call; Grants and Funding)
Why community-led work matters
Announcing the fund, Minister for Equality Norma Foley said its aim is to promote inclusion, protect rights and improve quality of life and wellbeing, helping people participate fully in Irish life. She also highlighted the role of community organisations in providing services and supportive spaces. (Department of Children, Disability and Equality, 2027 funding call)
The programme continues a pattern of public funding for LGBTIQ+ community work. Government announcements recorded €1.5m for the 2026 fund and €1.7m for projects under the 2025 fund, while 24 projects were named for support through 2024 funding calls. (Department of Children, Disability and Equality, 2026 funding call; Department of Children, Disability and Equality, 2025 funding announcement; Department of Children, Disability and Equality, 2024 funding announcement)
What applicants should do before the deadline
Applications are open until 16 December 2027, according to the published call. Organisations should use the time to define what their project will deliver, who it will serve and how the requested amount fits the relevant grant range. (Department of Children, Disability and Equality, 2027 funding call)
A clear match between the proposal and the scheme's stated purpose can make an application easier to assess. Groups should check the official guidance for eligibility and submission requirements rather than relying on a summary alone. (Department of Children, Disability and Equality, 2027 funding call; Grants and Funding)
A meaningful boost for local organisations
For groups working close to their communities, funding can help turn good intentions into practical support, whether that's sustaining a service or creating a more visible, welcoming space. The 2027 fund gives applicants two routes to seek that backing, with the deadline still some way off. (Department of Children, Disability and Equality, 2027 funding call; Grants and Funding)
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