What the Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme is

The purpose of the Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme is to provide support to established, smaller-scale, non-mainstream music education or community music initiatives with limited or no access to other forms of public funding, through a cash grant.

Grants can be used to purchase instruments, other equipment and tuition. Grants are not intended for use on capital expenditure such as structural or building costs.

Applications will be considered by the Committee for Non-Mainstream Department of Education funded Music Education. Please note that the Bursary grant award is for 2025 only and the scheme is currently run on an annual basis. The total budget available in 2025 is €100,000.

How to qualify

Applications will be considered from organisations or groups that:

• have a track record in music education
• provide non-mainstream music or community music education
• deliver non-mainstream music education for young people aged 18 years and younger
• achieve strong learning outcomes for participants

Preference will be given to those organisations or groups who can demonstrate that they cater for socio-economically disadvantaged groups. Preference may also be given to organisations or groups that are eligible and may not have received funding from this initiative previously.

Our selection of proposals will also be informed by:

•  geographic national spread
• a range of music genres
•  a balance of practical and theoretical approaches

Ineligible groups

• for-profit companies
• schools and other educational institutes
• music education partnerships in receipt of music generation funding at time of application
• individual minors under the age of 18
• professional performing groups

Funding will only be provided for non-mainstream music education initiatives outside of school and school curriculum.

Apply

Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme - Guidelines 2025
Download link for Download

Please download the application form, type and complete all of the sections.

Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme - Application Form 2025
Download link for Download

Applications must be submitted as an attachment by email only to: nmmebs@education.gov.ie

Closing date for applications for 2025 is 10 April 2025.