Application guidance
Applying for a grant is designed to be a clear and straightforward process.
All applications are made through a single online form. Before applying, we recommend reviewing the guidance on preparing your application and ensuring your project is a good fit for one of our programmes.
You should also ensure your organisation meets the basic eligibility requirements before applying.
Before you apply
Before starting an application, we encourage you to take a few minutes to consider whether your work is a good fit for our programmes and to prepare the information you will need.
This will help you submit a clearer, stronger application and make the process quicker and easier to complete.
Check if your project is a good fit
We support projects that align with the focus of our programmes. Before applying, you should:
- review the programme most relevant to your work
- check that your project clearly fits within its purpose and focus
- ensure your organisation and activity sit within the communities we serve
Eligibility
Before applying, please ensure your organisation and proposed activity meet the Society’s eligibility requirements. Eligibility helps ensure that funding decisions are fair, consistent and aligned to the Society’s charitable purpose.
Organisation eligibility
In general, applications are expected from not-for-profit or community-focused organisations with an appropriate governance structure. You should be able to provide a constitution or governing document and basic financial information (such as latest accounts).
Geography
Projects should be delivered within the communities the Society serves. Please check the relevant programme page to confirm geographic scope for your activity.
Programme fit
Your project must clearly align to one of the Society’s programmes and the type of activity supported by that programme. Applications that do not align with programme purpose are unlikely to be supported.
Understanding our grants
The majority of our grants are small and are designed to support local organisations and community-based activity.
In some cases, we make a smaller number of larger grants where there is a strong case for wider or longer-term impact.
If you are considering applying for a larger or more complex grant, we encourage you to contact us in advance with a short overview of your proposal at: office@irishsociety.co.uk
This helps ensure that your proposal is aligned with the programme before you submit a full application.
How to apply
We take a proportionate and practical approach to grant-making.
We are not looking for complex or technical applications. Instead, we are interested in clear, well thought through proposals that demonstrate real need and meaningful impact.
Our aim is to make the process straightforward while ensuring that decisions are fair, consistent and based on the information provided
What your application should show
When completing your application, you should clearly explain:
- what your project will do
- why it is needed
- who will benefit
- how it fits the programme you are applying to
- what difference it will make
You do not need to use technical language, but your answers should be clear, relevant and focused on the purpose of the project.
Prepare your application
Before you begin the application form, it can be helpful to have the following information ready:
- a clear description of your project
- information about your organisation and its work
- details of who will benefit and how
- an outline of costs and funding required
- your organisation’s constitution or governing document
- your latest accounts (or equivalent financial overview)
Having this information prepared in advance will make it easier to complete the application.
If your application is successful, we may request additional information as part of grant acceptance. This can include more sensitive information required for payment processing.
Preview the application
We have provided a preview of the application form so that you can see the questions in advance and prepare your answers.
Reviewing the questions beforehand can help you plan your responses and gather the information you need before starting the form.
The application process
All applications are submitted through our online application form. You can access the form using the button below.
Completing the application form
The application form is designed to be proportionate and focused on the key information we need to understand your project.
You will be asked to describe your project, explain the need for it and outline the difference it will make.
We encourage you to keep your answers clear and focused on what you are proposing to deliver.
As part of your application, you may be asked to provide supporting documents such as your organisation’s constitution and latest accounts.
In some cases, additional information may be requested if your application is successful.
After you apply
Once your application has been submitted, it will be reviewed in line with the purpose and focus of the programme.
We may contact you if we need further clarification about your application.
You will be notified of the outcome once the review process has been completed.
How decisions are made
We are committed to making funding decisions that are fair, consistent and aligned with the purpose of our programmes. All applications are considered carefully against the aims of the programme and the information provided in the application.
Our approach
Our funding decisions are guided by a number of core principles:
- alignment with the purpose of the programme
- fairness and consistency in how applications are assessed
- a proportionate and practical approach
- a focus on real need and meaningful impact
We aim to ensure that decisions are based on what matters most for each programme, rather than on how applications are presented.
How applications are reviewed
After an application is submitted, it is reviewed by the Society’s grants team.
Applications are considered against the purpose and focus of the relevant programme and the information provided in the application.
In some cases, we may contact applicants if clarification is needed.
What we look for
While each programme is different, we generally look for applications that clearly demonstrate:
- a strong fit with the programme’s purpose
- a clear understanding of the need being addressed
- well-planned and appropriate activity
- a clear idea of the difference the project will make
The level of detail expected will vary depending on the size and nature of the grant.
Making funding decisions
Funding decisions are made through the Society’s formal grant-making processes.
Applications are considered alongside other applications within the programme, taking into account the overall balance and priorities of the funding available.
Not all applications that meet the criteria can be funded, and decisions will also reflect the level of demand and the resources available.
A proportionate approach
We take a proportionate approach to both applications and decision-making.
Most grants are small and are designed to support local organisations and community-based activity.
A smaller number of larger grants may be awarded where there is a strong case for wider or longer-term impact.
The level of scrutiny and information required reflects the size and nature of the grant being considered.
Transparency
We aim to be clear and transparent about how decisions are made.
This includes publishing information about our programmes and providing applicants with an outcome following the decision-making process.
We are committed to improving our approach over time by learning from the applications we receive and the projects we support.
After a decision is made
All applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application.
If your application is successful, we will contact you with the next steps.
If your application is unsuccessful, this does not necessarily mean that your project is not worthwhile, but that it was not selected for funding within that round.
Questions about the process
If you have questions about how decisions are made or whether your project is a good fit, you are welcome to contact us: office@irishsociety.co.uk
Common Questions
General Questions
Who can apply for a grant?
We support applications from eligible organisations such as charities, community groups and other not-for-profit organisations.
Your organisation must be based in, or delivering work within, the communities we serve and must have a clear governing structure.
Which programme should I apply to?
You should apply to the programme that best matches the type of activity you are delivering.
- Growing Together supports community-based early years provision
- Living Rivers, Living Communities supports environmental improvement and stewardship
- Living Heritage, Shared Futures supports participatory cultural and heritage activity
If you are unsure, we recommend reviewing the programme pages or contacting us before applying.
Can I apply if I am not sure my project is a perfect fit?
We encourage you to apply only if your project clearly aligns with the purpose of one of our programmes.
If you are unsure, you can contact us with a short overview of your proposal before applying: office@irishsociety.co.uk
Grant size and expectations
How much funding can I apply for?
The majority of our grants are small (maximum £2,000) and are designed to support local organisations and community-based activity.
In some cases, we make a smaller number of larger grants (£10,000-£20,000) where there is a strong case for wider or longer-term impact.
Can I apply for a larger or more complex grant?
If you are considering applying for a larger or more complex grant, we encourage you to contact us before submitting an application.
Please send a short overview of your proposal to: office@irishsociety.co.uk
This helps ensure that your proposal is aligned with the programme before you submit a full application.
Application process
How do I apply?
All applications are submitted through our online application form.
Before applying, we recommend reviewing the “Before you apply” guidance and using the application preview to prepare your answers.
Can I save my application and return to it later?
No – you can’t save your application. It is recommended that you prepare your answers in advance before starting the form.
You can review the application preview to see the questions and prepare your responses before completing the form.
What information do I need to provide?
You will be asked to provide information about your organisation, your project and the difference it will make.
You should be ready to explain:
- what your project will do
- why it is needed
- who will benefit
- how it fits the programme
Supporting documents
Do I need to submit supporting documents?
As part of your application, you will be asked to provide documents such as your organisation’s constitution and latest accounts. Please have these ready and email them to office@irishsociety.co.uk when you have completed your form. Your application is not complete until we receive these documents.
Do I need to provide bank details as part of my application?
No. Bank details are not required at the application stage.
If your application is successful, we will contact you to request the necessary information as part of the grant acceptance process.
Decisions and outcomes
How will my application be assessed?
Applications are assessed based on how well they align with the purpose of the programme, the need being addressed and the difference the project will make.
Learn more about how decisions are made.
Will all eligible applications be funded?
No. Not all eligible applications can be funded.
Decisions are made based on alignment with the programme, the strength of applications received and the funding available.
Will I receive feedback on my application?
You will be informed of the outcome of your application.
While detailed feedback may not always be provided, we aim to make our decisions as clear and transparent as possible.
Still have a question? If your question is not covered here, you can contact us: office@irishsociety.co.uk