The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (‘The Commission’) is inviting civil society organisations and groups across Ireland working on human rights and equality issues to apply for support under the 2026-27 Human Rights and Equality Grants Scheme (Grants Scheme), which opens today.
The focus of this year’s Grant Scheme is to support human rights and equality projects across three strands that contribute to advancing key strategic priorities:
Strand A: Advancing rights protected under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Strand B: Tackling racism and racial discrimination and advancing the UN Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UNCERD).
Strand C: Advancing the promotion and protection of human rights and equality in the digital environment, including the application of artificial intelligence.
Chief Commissioner Liam Herrick said:
“We are committed to supporting and empowering people and communities who face the greatest barriers to accessing their rights and whose voices are least heard. Placing lived experience at the centre of this work is fundamental, and this Grant Scheme will support projects that enable meaningful participation and collective action by those most affected by inequality.”
The Grants Scheme reflects priorities set out in the Commission’s Strategy Statement 2025–27 and aims to support projects that can strengthen the protection and promotion of human rights and equality in the highlighted areas, enhance accountability, and build a more inclusive and equitable society.
Funding of €350,000 is available overall. Civil society organisations can apply for:
* Small grants of up to €7,000, and
* General grants of up to €22,000
Now in its eleventh year, the Commission’s Grants Scheme has funded hundreds of projects across Ireland, including research, policy analysis, capacity building, community-led actions and awareness-raising and education initiatives.
Grants are open to civil society organisations, rights-holder and community-led groups, and trade unions across the country working to advance human rights and equality. The Grants Scheme particularly encourages applications that build capacity to advocate through education and training, strengthen evidence-based research and analysis, and support engagement in key international human rights monitoring processes, including on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the UN Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD).
The deadline for receipt of applications is 3pm (sharp) on Tuesday 19 May 2026. Full details of the 2026-27 Human Rights and Equality Grants Scheme are available on the Commission’s website.
The Commission will also host a series of online Information Sessions on the themes of the Grants Scheme this year. Further details will be available on the Commission’s website.
Chief Commissioner Liam Herrick continued:
“I strongly encourage civil society organisations, community and voluntary groups, and trade unions across Ireland to apply for funding under this year’s scheme, particularly those working to advance disability rights, combat racism, and address emerging human rights and equality challenges in the digital environment.”