**APPLICATIONS CLOSED**

Westmeath County Council is now inviting applications for the following Grants in recognition for the work that the Community & Voluntary sector carry out on a day to day basis:

• Community Action Grant
• Tidy Towns Grant
• Residents Associations Grant

**APPLICATION CLOSED**

Westmeath County Council Cathaoirleach's Awards Event celebrates the enormous amount of volunteerism in Westmeath, given through the many community and voluntary groups who exist in the county. The Cathaoirleach Awards event facilitates the Council presenting special awards in recognition of the role played by individuals and groups who help to create a strong and vibrant community.

Westmeath County Council is now inviting applications for the following Awards:

• Nominations for Cathaoirleach Award for Westmeath Person/Group of the Year
• Community project of the year Award
• Resident Association Project Award
• Age Friendly Recognition Award
• Pride of Place in the Community Competition
• STEM Grant (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Grant)
• Schools Environmental Competition

NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

The Local Environmental Action Fund (LEAF) is a national initiative supporting community-led climate action and environmental enhancement projects.
It is delivered in partnership with IPB Insurance and Westmeath County Council to fund projects that improve biodiversity, sustainability and community engagement.

Westmeath County Council are now inviting applications for the Local Environmental Action Fund 2026: APPLICATION FORM

Before starting your application, you should:

• Familiarise yourself with the Local Environmental Action Fund LEAF Criteria & Guidelines
• Have your Tax Reference Number (TRN) or Charity Number ready
• Review Westmeath County Council Climate Action Plan 2024 - 2029

**APPLICATIONS CLOSED**

The Local Enhancement Programme 2026 is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

Please see the following link to the press release announcing the Local Enhancement Programme 2026 at national level, by the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD:

Press Release 2026 https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-rural-and-community-development-and-the-gaeltacht/policy-information/local-enhancement-programme/

Westmeath Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) is responsible for allocating funding to projects.

• €172,338.03 capital funding to use towards carrying out necessary repairs & improvements to facilities, energy efficiency type projects, purchase of equipment etc.

Before starting your application, you should: 

• Familiarise yourself with the Application Terms and Conditions on each application form and the LEP Guidelines below.
• Have your Tax Reference Number (TRN) ready.  If your Community Group does do not have a TRN yet, please see ‌email communitygrants@westmeathcoco.ie
  (NOTE - A TRN is required by Westmeath County Council to verify tax clearance status if applicable and will also be used when submitting returns to Revenue as required)
• If your group is not registered with Westmeath Public Participation Network please email ppn@westmeathcoco.ie for registration details.

• LEP 2026 Terms & Conditions
• Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026 .

NOW OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS

For the past number of years Westmeath County Council have provided financial assistance to Tidy Town groups and Business groups to help purchase, erect and maintain Christmas lighting in their local towns / villages.

The Council have made financial provision in its budget to provide similiar grant assistance this year. 

ONLINE APPLICATION FORM

Closing date for receipt of application is Friday 18th September 2026. 

For further information, please contact the Community Development Section on 044 9332196.  

**APPLICATION NOW CLOSED**

Festival & Events 2026

Westmeath County Council is now inviting community groups and business groups to apply for grant support for Festival & Events taking place in 2026.

Events should involve significant voluntary input, attract increased visitor numbers to Westmeath and generate increased economic activity for the local area.  The purpose of the scheme is to encourage and promote events, particularly events of a scale as to be added to the Westmeath 'Calendar of Events' for 2026. 

For further details please contact the Community Development Section on 044 933 8969 or 044 933 2196.

Guidelines for Festival & Events 2026