The Department of Culture, Communications and Sport has launched the Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Funding Scheme 2026, providing financial support for community-based cultural events across Ireland. The scheme is designed to support smaller festivals, cultural gatherings and summer schools that play an important role in local communities but may not meet the eligibility criteria for larger national funding programmes such as those operated by Fáilte Ireland or the Arts Council. For organisers within the events industry, particularly those working at community level or within not-for-profit organisations, the initiative represents an opportunity to secure modest funding to support cultural programming and local event delivery.
Purpose of the Scheme
The funding programme forms part of the Department’s wider objective to increase public access to arts, culture and creativity, while recognising the social and economic value of cultural activity in Ireland. Small local festivals and summer schools contribute significantly to Ireland’s cultural tourism offering, helping to animate towns and communities while showcasing local creativity, heritage and artistic talent. Projects supported through the scheme are expected to enhance engagement with the arts, culture or film sectors, and to demonstrate clear cultural outcomes for the communities they serve.
Funding Available
Successful applicants may receive grants of up to €5,000. Funding is awarded through a competitive application process, and projects must demonstrate clear cultural objectives, realistic delivery plans and the capacity to successfully deliver the proposed event. Any funding awarded is paid in arrears, following submission of paid invoices, reports and proof of payment.
Eligibility Criteria
The scheme is open to not-for-profit festivals, summer schools and similar cultural events that meet the following criteria:
- Only one application per organisation for one event or project will be considered
- The event must not be in receipt of funding from Fáilte Ireland or the Arts Council
- Organisations must operate on a not-for-profit basis
- Applicants must be tax compliant and provide a tax reference number
- Applicants must provide full project budgets, including income and expenditure
- Event organisers must confirm they have all necessary regulatory approvals and insurance in place
- Organisations must be signed up to the Safe to Create Code of Behaviour
If successful, organisers must also confirm that the relevant Local Authority has been notified at least one month prior to the event.
Assessment Criteria
Applications will be assessed competitively against several criteria, including:
- How effectively the project meets the objectives of the scheme
- Whether the event is realistic in scale, budget and delivery timeframe
- Evidence that the organisation has the capacity to deliver the project
- The level of non-state financial contribution or support
- Inclusion of initiatives relating to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, the Irish language, or Climate Action
The decision of the assessment committee is final.
Costs That Will Not Be Funded
The scheme is intended to support the delivery of cultural activity rather than operational or commercial costs. Examples of ineligible expenses include:
- Regular operational costs such as salaries, overheads or insurance
- Accommodation, subsistence or meals
- Capital purchases such as equipment or instruments
- Food festivals, hospitality or catering
- Sporting events, fun days or boot camps
- Commercial or profit-making events
- Prizes, gifts, travel expenses or mileage
Key Deadline
Applications for the Small Scale Local Festivals and Summer Schools Funding Scheme 2026 must be submitted by: 1:00pm on 2 April 2026
Successful projects must complete their funding drawdown no later than 11 September 2026.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the Department’s online application portal. Applicants should ensure that:
- The application form is fully completed and submitted before the deadline
- All required supporting information is included within the form
- Draft applications are finalised and formally submitted
A confirmation email will be issued once the application has been successfully submitted. Further information is available here.
Supporting Local Cultural Events
Local festivals and summer schools are an important part of Ireland’s events industry ecosystem, providing opportunities for communities to engage with culture, develop local talent and attract visitors.
While the funding available under this scheme is modest, it can provide valuable support for community-led cultural programming and grassroots event development, helping to sustain Ireland’s vibrant local cultural landscape.
