Up to €180,000 for Global Citizenship Education Projects – Irish Aid Grants 2027

The Irish Aid Global Citizenship Education Grant Scheme 2027 is offering €10,000 to €180,000 to support Irish-based organisations delivering educational projects that increase public understanding of global development issues.

The programme aims to help people understand the causes of global poverty, inequality and injustice while encouraging meaningful action towards a more equitable and sustainable world.

Funding is available for eligible organisations working in education, youth development, community engagement and related sectors.

Applications are currently open, with an initial eligibility deadline of 6 November 2026.

Here's what you can expect:

• Grants ranging from €10,000 to €180,000

• Funding for one-year projects in 2027

• Support for innovative educational initiatives

• Opportunities to engage new audiences

• Funding for global development education

• Support for community participation and awareness

• Opportunities to develop educational resources

• Funding for projects encouraging informed action on global issues

What projects can be funded?

The programme supports global citizenship education activities that encourage critical thinking, understanding and engagement.

Relevant project areas may include:

1. Global Development Education

Projects helping people understand international development challenges.

Examples include:

• Global poverty awareness

• International inequality

• Human rights education

• Sustainable development

• Global economic justice

2. Climate and Environmental Education

Projects exploring environmental challenges and their relationship with global development.

Examples include:

• Climate justice

• Environmental sustainability

• Sustainable consumption

• Climate impacts on vulnerable communities

• Education about global environmental responsibility

3. Youth and Community Engagement

Projects encouraging young people and community groups to engage with global issues.

Examples include:

• Youth education programmes

• Community workshops

• Participatory learning activities

• Educational events

• Community-led awareness initiatives

4. Innovative Education Approaches

Projects developing new ways to engage audiences with global development issues.

Examples include:

• Digital learning resources

• Interactive educational tools

• Creative education programmes

• Multimedia learning activities

• Innovative community engagement methods

Projects must align with the objectives and assessment criteria of Irish Aid's Global Citizenship Education Grant Scheme.

Who can apply?

The programme is open to eligible organisations based in Ireland.

Potential applicants include:

• Registered charities

• Nonprofit organisations

• Community organisations

• Educational organisations

• Youth organisations

• Development education organisations

• Other eligible Irish-based organisations delivering global citizenship education

Applicants should consult the official guidance to confirm their organisational eligibility.

Important: The programme is restricted to Irish-based organisations. UK-only organisations are not eligible.

Key eligibility requirements

Applicants must:

• Be based in Ireland.

• Meet Irish Aid's organisational eligibility requirements.

• Propose activities aligned with global citizenship education.

• Demonstrate the capacity to deliver the proposed project.

• Submit the required eligibility form before the initial deadline.

• Complete the full application if confirmed as eligible.

• Provide the required organisational and project information.

Organisations that miss the eligibility deadline cannot proceed to the full application stage.

How much funding is available?

Minimum Grant: €10,000

Maximum Grant: €180,000

Funding Type: Project grant

Project Duration: One year

Eligible Location: Ireland

Funding Year: 2027

The exact award depends on the proposed project, its budget and the outcome of the assessment process.

How does the application process work?

Step 1 – Request an Eligibility Form

Organisations must contact the Irish Aid Global Citizenship Education team to obtain the eligibility form.

Step 2 – Submit the Eligibility Form

Completed eligibility forms must be submitted by:

Friday 6 November 2026 at 12 noon

This is a mandatory first stage.

Step 3 – Eligibility Confirmation

Organisations will be notified of their eligibility by:

Monday 9 November 2026

Eligible applicants will receive the full application form.

Step 4 – Prepare the Full Application

Applicants must provide information about:

• The proposed project

• Target audiences

• Educational objectives

• Planned activities

• Expected outcomes

• Delivery arrangements

• Project budget

The application must be signed by an authorised legal representative of the organisation.

Step 5 – Submit the Full Application

Completed applications must be emailed to the Irish Aid Global Citizenship Education team.

Deadline: Wednesday 9 December 2026 at 12 noon

Late applications will not be considered.

Step 6 – Assessment and Funding Decisions

Applications are expected to be assessed during the first quarter of 2027.

Funding decisions are anticipated in March or April 2027, although the timetable may change.

Key dates

Application Status: OPEN

Eligibility Form Deadline: 6 November 2026 at 12 noon

Eligibility Notifications: 9 November 2026

Full Application Deadline: 9 December 2026 at 12 noon

Expected Funding Decisions: March–April 2027

Project Year: 2027

Funding information

Funding Amount: €10,000–€180,000

Funding Type: Global citizenship education project grants

Geographic Eligibility: Ireland only

Target Audience: Irish-based educational, charitable and nonprofit organisations

Project Duration: One year

Initial Deadline: 6 November 2026

Final Application Deadline: 9 December 2026