Home > Our Services > Community Development > Community Grants

Community Grants

SUPPORTS TO OUR COMMUNITY GROUPS

Supporting our Communities – Westmeath Community Development Section is here to support our Community Groups.
We endeavour to ensure all our Community Groups are supported to apply for the various grants, awards and nominations appropriate to their group or area.

**APPLICATIONS CLOSED**

Westmeath County Council is now inviting applications for the following Grants in recognition for the work that the Community & Volunitary 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

Local Enhancement Programme 2026.

**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.

 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

** APPLICATION NOW CLOSED**
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.
 
Approved Christmas Lighting Grant 2025

APPLICATION NOW OPEN

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. 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

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

Guidelines for Festival & Events 2026

 

Following the Grant Information Evening held on 20th January in Athlone and 22nd January in Mullingar, the presentation slides are now available to view here.

 ‌

Click below to access WCC Grants, Awards and Supports 2026 Booklet

Westmeath County Council Grants, Awards and Supports 2026 booklet

 

OTHER COMMUNITY GRANTS

Grants may become available throughout the year. All details of new grants will be available here. Please check back for future grants.

To ensure your group is kept informed of the latest available grant, please register with Westmeath Public Participation Network (PPN).  

 

For queries please contact:

Community Development Section
Westmeath County Council
Áras an Chontae
Mount Street, Mullingar N91 FH4N
Email: communitygrants@westmeathcoco.ie
Telephone numbers: 044-933- 2051/ 044-933- 2215

 

Useful Links: