Community Foundation Ireland has announced a new grants opportunity for areas in north Wicklow, north Kildare and central Meath. 

The energy company NEOEN has established solar farms in these areas, and has created a Community Benefit Fund to support local communities. Small grants will be available in a competitive open grant round to charitable organisations operating within 10km of the solar farms. To understand what types of organisations and projects can apply, please read the grants criteria here.

Applications are invited from community groups operating within 10km of the following areas (click to view the location in Google Maps):

• Hilltown, central Meath (close to Cushinstown)
• Hortland, north Kildare (southeast of Johnstownbridge)
• Millvale, north Wicklow (west of Rathnew)

The Community Benefit Fund is open to initiatives that:

• Strengthen local community engagement, inclusion and development
• Support education, recreation, and cultural activities
• Enhance sustainability, biodiversity, and climate action

Grants from €1,000 to €5,000 are available for eligible projects that align with these goals.

Key information:

• The fund I currently open for applications and will close on Friday 7th March at 5pm.
• Please read the Grants Criteria before applying. There is also an FAQ document should you have additional queries.
• You can access the application form by logging into the Grants Portal
• If you have never applied for a grant with Community Foundation Ireland, you first need to register your organisation on the online portal. The Application Help Guide will help you.
• Any further questions, please email info@foundation.ie