Social Inclusion Grants

Purpose of the Social Inclusion Grant

The Social Inclusion Grant is a small‑scale, non‑capital funding scheme designed to support community groups, voluntary organisations, and non‑profit social enterprises in delivering local projects that:

• Promote equality and inclusion
• Reduce disadvantage
• Foster participation for all members of society
• Support individuals and communities at risk of social exclusion

The scheme provides modest, targeted financial support to help groups deliver meaningful, community‑based initiatives that strengthen social inclusion across Galway City.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include:

• Community and voluntary groups
• Non‑profit social enterprises
• Non‑profit organisations
• Local clubs or associations with a social inclusion focus

Not eligible: Commercial for-profit organisations, individuals, and statutory agencies are not eligible.

Eligible Costs

Funding supports small‑scale, non‑capital costs directly related to the delivery of social inclusion projects, programmes, and initiatives. Eligible costs must be necessary, reasonable, and clearly linked to the proposed activity.

Programme Delivery and Activity‑Related Costs

• Tutor / facilitator fees, including external trainers, guest speakers, or specialist facilitators
• Programme delivery costs such as:
  
  • Venue hire or room rental directly required for the activity
  • Materials and consumables used during the programme (e.g., arts & crafts supplies, workshop materials, sports consumables)
  • Light refreshments for participants where appropriate
  • Printing or small‑scale programme‑specific materials (e.g., worksheets, handouts)
• Costs associated with running classes, workshops, training sessions, social clubs, or community events
• Social‑inclusion‑focused day trips or outings only where they have a clear and demonstrable social inclusion purpose.
• Costs for inclusive activities such as wellbeing sessions, intercultural events, community education, or social engagement initiatives
• Minor programme‑specific consumables required to deliver the activity

Social Inclusion Grant Guidelines 

Funding Available

• Minimum grant: €300
• Maximum grant: €2,000

Funding schemes are generally oversubscribed, so please be aware that funding offers may be lower than the amount requested.

Groups must hold a bank or credit union account in the legal name of the organisation and must be set up for payment with Galway City Council’s Accounts Payable section. Evidence of a group bank account must be provided at application stage.

Additional Documentation Required at Application Stage

• Relevant quotations, budget breakdown, and proof of a group bank account
• Child Safeguarding Statement and Child Protection Policy (if working with children)
• Any additional information supporting the application (e.g., annual report, leaflets)
• Proof of relevant insurance for any proposed day trip or outing (e.g., public liability insurance, transport insurance) must be submitted to Galway City Council at application stage or prior to approval of funding. Applications may be deemed ineligible if adequate insurance documentation is not provided.

How to Apply

Online applications must be submitted using the following online system: https://www.galwaycity.ie/social-inclusion-grant 

Important Deadlines

• Projects / activities/ programmes can only be funded that take place in 2026 before the 31st October deadline.
• All projects must be completed by 31st October 2026
• All funding must be claimed by 28th November 2026

Contact Information

For queries or support with your application, please contact the Urban & Community Development Officers: