Creative Wicklow Grants Scheme 2026: Funding for Community Projects

Deadline: 05-Feb-2026 The Creative Wicklow Grants Scheme 2026 provides funding of up to €3,000 for innovative community-led projects in arts, heritage, and climate action. Managed by Wicklow County Council, the scheme prioritizes projects that engage marginalized audiences and align with the Creative Ireland Programme. It is open to non-profit organizations and community groups operating within County Wicklow. The Creative Wicklow Grants Scheme is an initiative by the Wicklow County Council’s Culture and Creativity Team. It aims to foster ambitious, dynamic participation in cultural life, allowing local communities to explore their identity, history, and environment through creative mediums. Why It Matters: Connecting People and Place This grant serves as a catalyst for local development by: Celebrating Heritage: Deepening the connection between residents and Wicklow’s unique history and landscape. Climate Action: Using creative interventions to spark dialogue and action regarding biodiversity and environmental sustainability. Social Inclusion: Prioritizing projects that bring creative opportunities to new, marginalized, or disadvantaged audiences. Wellbeing: Promoting “Creative Health” through artistic expression and community engagement. Key Concepts and Definitions Creative Ireland Programme: A national five-year strategy in Ireland that places creativity at the center of public policy and community wellbeing. Biodiversity Projects: Initiatives specifically designed to raise awareness of or protect the variety of plant and animal life in Wicklow. Marginalized Audiences: Groups who may face barriers to cultural participation due to socio-economic status, location, age, or disability. Creative Youth: A specific theme focusing on the creative potential of children and young people through non-formal education and arts. Who is Eligible? The scheme is designed for collective community action rather than individual ventures. Eligible Applicants: Not-for-profit organizations. Local community groups (e.g., Tidy Towns, residents’ associations). Arts, heritage, biodiversity, and cultural societies. Cultural venues and local historical societies. Individual Applicants: Individuals cannot apply alone. They must apply in partnership with an eligible local group. Note: Funding is paid directly to the partner organization, not the individual. Funding and Project Scopes Maximum Grant: €3,000 per project. Evaluation: Grants are awarded based on a competitive evaluation process; meeting criteria does not guarantee payment. Output Formats: Projects are encouraged to be multi-media. Common outputs include: Podcasts and oral recordings. Exhibitions and film/video productions. Interpretive signage and heritage trails. Music concerts and masterclasses. Printed publications. How to Apply: Steps to a Successful Proposal Align with Strategy: Ensure your project matches the Wicklow Creative Strategy and Creative Ireland themes. Define Innovation: The council seeks “ambitious and dynamic” ways to engage. Avoid standard or repetitive activities. Form Partnerships: If you are an individual artist or specialist, secure a partnership with a Wicklow-based community group early. Budgeting: Create a clear breakdown of how the €3,000 will be used. Focus on direct project costs rather than general administration. Identify the Audience: Explicitly state how you will include disadvantaged or new audiences in your creative process. Common Mistakes and Tips Mistake: Generic Applications. Projects that do not specifically reference “Wicklow people and place” often score poorly. Mistake: Individual Payment Requests. Do not provide an individual bank account; the scheme only pays registered groups. Tip: Cross-Sectoral Themes. Projects that combine two themes—for example, Arts and Climate Action—are highly regarded. Tip: Documentation. Budget for high-quality documentation (video or photography) so the creative output can be shared countywide. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions 1. Can a sports club apply for this grant? Yes, if the project is creative in nature (e.g., a community mural or a historical documentary about the club) and meets the “not-for-profit” criteria. 2. What is the maximum amount I can receive? The maximum grant is €3,000 per project. 3. Does the project have to take place in County Wicklow? Yes. The project must engage communities across County Wicklow and demonstrate countywide relevance. 4. Can the grant be used for a project already in progress? Generally, grants are for new phases of work or new initiatives. Check the specific “start date” requirements in the annual call for proposals. 5. What is “Creative Climate Action”? This refers to using creative methods (like art installations or community storytelling) to engage people with environmental issues and biodiversity loss. 6. If my group is not registered as a charity, can we still apply? Yes, as long as you are a not-for-profit community group or society with a dedicated bank account and constitution. 7. Can we apply for a project that only targets children? Yes. “Creative Youth” is one of the core themes of the Creative Ireland Programme. Conclusion The Creative Wicklow Grants Scheme is a vital tool for enriching the cultural fabric of the county. By focusing on innovation, inclusion, and partnership, the scheme empowers local groups to turn ambitious ideas into reality. Whether through a heritage podcast or a climate-themed exhibition, successful projects will be those that clearly articulate their benefit to the people and places of Wicklow.