What are the Community Support Schemes?
Galway County Council recognises that local communities are one of our greatest resources. In recognition of this, the Council has developed the Community Support Schemes to provide annual financial support for a diverse range of events and projects across three distinct schemes:
1. Community Development Support Scheme
a - The aim of this category is to enhance outdoor community amenities and green spaces.
b - The aim of this category is to support the efforts of Tidy Towns Groups in improving the visual appearance of public spaces through volunteer-led works and projects.
2. Cultural Development Support Scheme
Provides funding for arts grants, heritage grants, and Irish language promotional activities, in recognition of efforts that increase cultural awareness, engagement, and standards across the county.
3. Tourism, Festivals & Events Support Scheme
Provides funding towards tourism events and festivals, and other economic development initiatives, in recognition of the economic benefits brought by increased activity and visitor numbers.
4. Environmental Development Support Scheme
a - The aim of this Burial Ground Improvement Works Scheme is to facilitate works which are outside the remit of the annual maintenance grants.
b - The aim of this category is to assist Tidy Towns groups to tackle the main causes and components of litter or graffiti in their town or village and implement sustainable measures to remedy these blackspots.
5. Sports Participation & Development Support Scheme
The aim of this category is to support local sports clubs and community groups in delivering inclusive, sustainable, and impactful programmes. The goal is to increase participation in sport and physical activity, particularly among underrepresented groups, while fostering community engagement and healthy lifestyles.
--------
Some of the requirements associated with this funding are:
- All applicants must be based, and operating in, County Galway.
- All applicants must be registered with Galway County PPN (Public Participation Network).
- All applicant groups must be properly constituted, and if requested provide evidence of a constitution or registration as a voluntary group for tax purposes.
- All applicants must submit a minimum of 1 quotation for each expenditure item in compliance with public procurement and are encouraged to “Shop Local” where possible.
- Any statutory consents required for project proposals must be in place at application stage and submitted with the application.
- Applicants may submit a maximum of 1 application per Support Scheme.
What is the application process?
Applications are invited annually, with a closing date usually around the end of January.
Funding recommendations are brought to the February or March Plenary Council Meetings for approval, after which all applicants are notified of the outcome.
Where do I apply?
Applications should be submitted via our online grants system, at this link: https://galwaycoco.submit.com/
Note: Applications for Irish Language Promotional Activities are available by emailing gaeilge@cocogaillimh.ie