2026-27 Human Rights and Equality Grants Scheme
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission’s 2026-27 Human Rights and Equality Grants Scheme is now open and accepting applications until 3pm, Tuesday 19 May 2026.
The purpose of the Human Rights and Equality Grants Scheme is to support projects by civil society and trade unions that promote human rights and equality. A total of €350,000 is available to fund small projects up to €7,000 and general projects up to €22,000.
Grants Scheme Strands
The Human Rights and Equality Grants Scheme 2026-27 themes are informed by the Commission’s strategic priorities set out in its Strategy Statement 2025-27.
This year the Grants Scheme will support projects under the following strands:
Advancing rights protected under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Tackling racism and racial discrimination and advancing the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
Advancing the promotion and protection of human rights and equality in the digital environment, including the application of artificial intelligence.
Funding Streams
Funding is available for small and general grants:
- Small Grants up to: €7,000
- General Grants up to: €22,000
2026-27 Grants Scheme Guidance and Application Form
Eligible Organisations
The Grants Scheme is open to civil society organisations working to promote human rights and equality and trade unions in Ireland. Civil society organisations include: local and national community and voluntary organisations, non-governmental organisations, rights-holder-led groups, groups representing area-based communities or communities of interest protected under the ten grounds of the Equality legislation, as well as groups experiencing poverty, socio-economic discrimination or exclusion, including international protection applicants and migrant communities.
To be eligible, a civil society organisation must be not-for-profit and registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) with the Companies Registration Office (CRO) and/or as a Charity.
Are You Interested in Applying?
Register for a Grant Scheme Information Session to find out more!
The Grants Information Sessions will be online and provide details about the 2026-27 Human Rights and Equality Grants Scheme including its themes, criteria, and the application process. The Information Sessions will take place on:
- 2pm to 3pm on Wednesday 15 April 2026 – Zoom (ISL provided)
- 2pm to 3pm on Thursday 16 April 2026 - Zoom
- 2pm to 3pm on Tuesday 21 April 2026 - Zoom
Register to attend by emailing grants@ihrec.ie with the date of the session that you would like to attend in the subject line.
When registering please let us know if you have any special requirements. This will help us in our preparations for the sessions.
ISL interpretation is provided at the Information Session at least one of the three Information Sessions.
