The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) manages the Human Rights and Equality Grants Scheme to support civil society organizations and trade unions across Ireland. For the 2025–26 funding cycle, €350,000 is available to fund projects that promote equality and human rights. The scheme offers two types of grants: small grants of up to €7,000 and general grants of up to €22,000. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, community groups, NGOs, and rights-holder-led groups, especially those representing marginalized communities protected under Ireland’s equality legislation or addressing poverty, social exclusion, and the needs of migrants or asylum seekers.
The 2025–26 scheme focuses on three thematic strands aligned with IHREC’s strategic goals. Strand A supports projects that apply the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty to combat disinformation, hate, and foster social inclusion. Strand B targets structural poverty by evaluating state responses through a human rights lens. Strand C promotes environmental and climate justice through inclusive approaches that consider equity and fairness in a just transition. All strands are guided by the principle that public bodies must consider equality and human rights in their work.
IHREC emphasizes empowering communities to understand and assert their rights. The scheme encourages applicants to involve rights-holders directly in project planning and execution, ensuring that those most affected help shape solutions. To support applicants, IHREC hosts information sessions explaining the themes, funding criteria, and how to develop strong, impactful proposals that align with the programme’s aims.