A List of Government Grants and Funding

Community 3 min read

10 May 2020

We all need a little help sometimes. During the pandemic, applications for government grants have increased. Many of these grants are related directly to COVID-19 (which we've outlined in this blog) but numerous grants have always been available to the wider community for various reasons – funding for parents, SMEs, students, farmers, older citizens and homeowners. 

At the credit union, we know more than anyone the importance of support, of tapping into community resources when you need to. That’s why we’ve outlined a list of available grants that some of our members might find helpful. You can also read through a list of services and supports available at your local credit union, here. 
 

Home Improvement Grants

SEAI Grants

Maybe it’s the single glaze windows, the old heating system, the tiny box rooms that's been getting to you. Everyone deserves warm, comfortable space to call home don’t they? Did you know there is a range of grants for home owners? Many are directly related to increasing your home’s energy efficiency. Check out our blog here, on all available home energy grants from the government, from boiler grants, to insulation grants, Solar Panel grants. 

Old Lead Piping Grant

Grants up to €4,000 are available to replace old lead piping for those earning up to €50,000. Click here for more information.

Septic Tank Grant

 You can avail of a grant up to €4,000 to replace your septic tank after failing an inspection. 
 

Housing Aid for Older People Grant

The Housing Aid for Older People Scheme is used to improve the condition of an older person's home. In general, it is aimed at people 66 years of age and older, who are living in poor housing conditions. However, in cases of genuine hardship the local authority may assist people under age 66. Click here for more information.

The Mobility Aids Grant

The Mobility Aids Grant Scheme provides grants for works designed to address mobility problems in the home, such as the purchase and installation of grab-rails, a level access shower, access ramps or a stair-lift. The scheme is primarily for older people, but people with a disability can also apply for it. Click here for more info.

Housing Adaption Grant

A Housing Adaptation Grant for Older People and People with a Disability is available from local authorities if you need to make changes to a home to make it more suitable for a person with a physical, sensory or intellectual disability or mental health difficulty. They are means tested, but see if you are eligible. Click here for more information.

Help to Buy Scheme

The Help to Buy scheme helps first-time-buyers put down a deposit to build their new home or to buy one. For a self-build you will need a solicitor to do the paperwork for you. See the Revenue website for more details.

Heritage Building Grant

For heritage buildings in need of repair, there are two grants available, : the Structures at Risk Fund, with funding between €15,000 and €30,000 available, and the Built Heritage Investment Scheme which funds up to half of the total project cost. Contact your local authority for more information, or click here.

Sports Capital Grants

The Sports Capital Programme (SCP) is operated by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and provides grants to assist in the development or refurbishment of sports facilities and the provision of sports equipment. Click here for more information.

Farming Grants

Traditional Farm Building Grant Scheme

An annual grants scheme for the conservation and repair of traditional farm buildings and related structures for farmers in the Green Low-Carbon Agri-Environment Scheme (GLAS) Click here for more information.
For more farming grants for equipment and capital, click here.

Age Action/Hardship grant

This Fund is now closed due to the fact that the overwhelming demand exceeded our capacity to raise funds. Depending on the nature of your need, you be may be elibigle for the Exceptional Needs Payment which is administered by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection. 
 

Carers Allowance

Carer's Allowance is a payment to people on low incomes who are looking after a person who needs support because of age, disability or illness (including mental illness). Click here for more information. You may also want to read about carer’s benefit, for someone who has had to give up work to care for an incapacitated person.
 

Student and School Grants

SUSI Grant: College Fees for Under and Mature Student

If you’re earning under a certain amount and are paying rent or a mortgage, or have a number of dependent children, you could be entitled to some of your college fees covered. Find out more at SUSI.ie.

Home Tuition Grants

The purpose of the Home Tuition Grant Scheme is to provide funding towards the provision of a compensatory educational service for children who, for a number of specific reasons, are unable to attend school. More information here.

Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance

The Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance (BTSCFA) helps you meet the cost of uniforms and footwear for children going to school. The scheme for 2019 is now closed. The closing date for applications was 30 September 2019. Click here for more information.

Remote Areas Boarding Grant

The Remote Area Boarding Grant scheme makes provision for the payment of grants in respect of pupils whose normal place of residence is outside the range of public transport services to a school providing suitable free second-level education. Click here to read more.

Technology grant for students with disabilities

The Department of Education and Skills gives a grant to schools to allow them to purchase computers and specialist equipment for use by students with a disability in second-level schools.

More information here.
 

SME and Business Grants

SME’s make up the backbone of our communities, and they are some of the places struggling the most during this time. That’s why we’ve compiled a full list of helpful resources and grants available for businesses and SME’s, here.

Electric Car Grant

If you’re thinking of a new electric car, you could be able to receive money off your car from the SEAI, and if you’re thinking of installing a charging port, you could avail of a grant to help you cover the installation costs. Check them out here.