We are now open to expressions of interest (EOI) from community groups for funding for projects in the following areas:

  • Youth spaces, €200,000 budget
  • Digital technologies, €80,000 budget
  • Innovative projects which enable sustainable living, €75,000 budget
  • Biodiversity action plans, €50,000 budget
  • Climate action plans, €40,000 budget


Further information:

Development of designated youth spaces in community centres or outdoors in villages/towns which are accessible by all young people (not targeted services).

Examples of eligible projects (this list is not exhaustive):

  • Fit out of rooms in community halls for use by all young people
  • Development of outdoor hangout spaces for young people
  • Technology for secure accessibility to youth facilities in community centres
  • Recreational equipment (not for sports)

Support digital technologies to enable communities to operate, communicate and support in a smarter way and support innovative projects which enable communities to live more sustainable lives. 

Examples of eligible projects (this list is not exhaustive):

  • Purchase of IT equipment for community use
  • Community interactive websites
  • Using digital technologies to document & share local history/stories (no publications)
  • Use of new technologies to support innovative projects, e.g. custom designed apps meeting community needs
  • Development of Smart Village Plans
  • Local groups, mens or womens shed upcycling community items for reuse
  • Bicycle sharing scheme
  • Community composting machines
  • Transport sharing initiatives
  • Development of locally focused sustainable community tourism guides/sustainability guide for your area
  • NB: carbon footprint reduction measures in buildings, development of community gardens will not be considered under this call.  These typs of projects are funded under other calls.


Community biodiversity action plans to preserve and protect biodiversity in your own community.

Community climate action plans to guide the whole community on reducing  carbon footprint, enhance energy efficiency and promote sustainability.

All LEADER funded projects must be accessible for use by the whole community with no membership requirements.

Examples of eligible applicants: Types of services we are unable to fund:
–  Community centre committees –  Childcare
–  Village development associations –  Daycare 
–  Tidy town’s groups –  Schools / universities / youth services
–  Mens/womens sheds –  Private individuals

If unsure about your proposed project’s suitability/eligibility, please contact one of our community Project Officers:  mdunphy@wld.ie or edake@wld.ie  

Open date:       Friday 26th September
Closing date: Friday 10th October at 12 noon
EOI Form: EOI Form, 2327 LEADER, Sept25
Completed EOI Forms to: leader@wld.ie on or before the deadline date
Minimum grant available: €5,000
Maximum grant available: €200,000 (based on the limited budget there is no guarantee of allocation of maximum grant to any one group)
Grant aid rate: –  Purchase equipment / building developments up to 75%
–  Feasibility studies / action plans up to 90%
–  Bespoke unaccredited training up to 100%

Total funding available:  €445,000, under the following themes:
Theme 2: Rural Infrastructure & Social Inclusion
Theme 3: Sustainable Development of the Environment

Groups who submit an expression of interest will be notified of eligibility/ineligibility not later than 31st October. 

Note for applicants – LEADER application stages:

  • Stage 1 expression of interest (approx. 1 month)
  • Stage 2 full application – only eligible projects/applicants will be invited to stage 2 (approx. 3 months)
  • Stage 3 assessment (approx. 2 months)
  • Stage 4 approval and contact awards (approx. 1 month)

All information on this funding call is available in Irish by request.