Applicants should submit any questions about the 2026 What Works In Communities Fund to WhatWorks@dcde.gov.ie. Anonymised versions of these questions and the DCDE responses will be published below.
Q: Is it permissible for an organisation to submit two applications to the fund, for different projects?
A: Only one application per organisation will be accepted.
Q: Can a consortium of different applications submit a joint application for this fund?
A: Yes, a consortium of organisations may submit a joint application.
Q: 1. Can a primary school apply for this funding? 2. We have recieved funding this year from another source for big playground items such as swings. Can we still apply for small items for play from the What works in Communities initiative? 3. Can we add in staff and parent training in play as part of the application?
A: 1. Unfortunately primary schools are not eligble for this funding. As per the Guidance Note, applicants “must operate outside of formal state-run systems such as education or health service delivery”.
2. If your application is eligible, small play items would be allowed.
3. If your application is eligible, staff and parent training may be included.
Q: Could you please confirm whether we would still be eligible to apply if we are currently receiving core funding from a government body, but for a different purpose/project?
A: Yes, in this case your organisation is eligible to apply since the existing funding is for a different purpose/project. The Guidance note states that “organisations already in receipt of funding from a Government Department or State Agency for a similar project are not eligible to apply”.
Q: From our understanding, the fund is aimed at supporting projects that benefit children, families, and the wider community, while aligning with values such as respect, equality, inclusion, participation, and evidence-informed practice. It seems that the focus is not only on delivering a service but also on developing and testing approaches that can demonstrate positive (or negative) outcomes and generate learning that can be shared with others. With this in mind, we are considering submitting a project focused on Emotional Wellbeing and Self-Regulation. Before proceeding, we would like to make sure that we are understanding the right thing and to gain some clarity on what the funding can be used for if our application is successful (e.g., staff training, resources, programme development, evaluation, etc.). We would also appreciate any advice you may have on how best to frame the application to align with the fund’s objectives.
A: Your understanding of the Fund is accurate. The funding can be used for any of the purposes you mentioned (staff training, resources, programme development, evaluation). Please refer to the “Eligible and Ineligible Project Costs” section of the Guidance Note for further clarification.
In relation to your final query, we unfortunately cannot offer any specific advice to applicants. The description of your project itself should directly or indirectly address this alignment if such an alignment exists, and there is also an opportunity to address this alignment directly at question 1B “Please describe how your project is aligned to the objectives of this Fund, as outlined on pages 3 and 4 of the Guidance Note”.
We would also emphasise that the fund is about prevention and early intervention. Prevention is defined as “providing a protective layer of support to stop problems from arising in the first place or from getting worse”, while Early Intervention is defined as “providing support at the earliest possible stages when problems occur” (Prevention and Early Intervention Network, 2026).
Q: I wanted to check if a cross organisational project that includes a university, a national clinical programme, and a clinical service site can be considered in an application? And also can the fund sit within the university?
A: The Guidance note states that “the project must have a prevention and early intervention focus. Prevention is defined as “providing a protective layer of support to stop problems from arising in the first place or from getting worse”, while Early Intervention is defined as “providing support at the earliest possible stages when problems occur” (Prevention and Early Intervention Network, 2026). For the purpose of this funding call, the “problems” in these definitions typically refer to social issues.”
In response to your other query, the Guidance note states that “the Fund specifically aims to support not-for-profit, non-statutory organisations based in the Republic of Ireland that are community-led and providing services, supports or advocacy for community benefit. They must operate outside of formal state-run systems such as education or health service delivery.” With this in mind, universities are not eligible to directly apply for this Fund, however it would be envisaged that universities can be a named partner on an application that is led by a community or voluntary group, typically bringing a research, evaluation, or training expertise to the project.
Q: 1. Would ethical approval from a University research ethics committee be considered an appropriate mechanism for such a project? 2. Where an external researcher is involved would a co-produced model involving active participation from organisational volunteers in project design, implementation, data collection and interpretation satisfy the funds requirements regarding researcher involvement and capacity building?
A: 1. Yes, this would be appropriate. As stated in the Guidance Note, “The responsibility for securing ethical approval rests with the applicant.”
2. Yes, this would satisfy the requirements.
Q: We run a bike hire business, and we have a number of various ability bikes for those with additional needs. We will also be opening a local initiative in the coming weeks again to deliver inclusive cycling classes. Could we apply for funding to deliver classes to local schools / services for those with additional needs?
A: As per the guidance note, “the Fund specifically aims to support not-for-profit, non-statutory organisations based in the Republic of Ireland that are community-led and providing services, supports or advocacy for community benefit”.
In addition, “the project must have a prevention and early intervention focus. Prevention is defined as “providing a protective layer of support to stop problems from arising in the first place or from getting worse”, while Early Intervention is defined as “providing support at the earliest possible stages when problems occur” (Prevention and Early Intervention Network, 2026). For the purpose of this funding call, the “problems” in these definitions typically refer to social issues.”
If your organisation meets these criteria, then the application will be considered eligible.
Q: Would you be able to clarify if a proposal that aims to evaluate an existing prevention and early intervention programme can include the costs of running the programme or can only the costs associated with the actual evaluation be included? For context, we would be evaluating a school-based programme that supports young people in transitioning from primary to secondary school by building their resilience. Would printing of materials (Teacher guides and student booklets) used to implement the programme in schools be eligible?
A: The Guidance Note states that “projects must apply one of the following approaches:
1. Piloting and testing innovative prevention and early intervention approaches.
2. Scaling up existing prevention and early intervention approaches where there is an opportunity to better understand how and in what contexts these approaches are effective.
3. Evaluating an existing prevention and early intervention project so it can contribute to the national evidence base and potentially be upscaled and/or replicated elsewhere.”
Programme costs may be included if they align with any of the above approaches.
Regarding your second query, there is a table of Eligible Costs in the Guidance Note. One row on this table is “Administration costs (e.g. printing, advertising, media, graphic design, travel and subsistence costs) where these are project specific and do not to exceed 15% of the budget”.
Q: Our registered charity provides essential support to vulnerable individuals and families within the local community. Could you please confirm if our organisation that meets the fund’s eligibility criteria?
A: As per the guidance note, “the Fund specifically aims to support not-for-profit, non-statutory organisations based in the Republic of Ireland that are community-led and providing services, supports or advocacy for community benefit”.
If your organisation meets these criteria, along with the other points included in the section of the Guidance Note “Eligibility for the 2026 What Works In Communities Fund”, then it will be considered eligible.
Q: I work for a community and voluntary organisation operating in the healthcare sector and in receipt of funding from the HSE. We are seeking funding to conduct prevention and early intervention research on supporting children in difficult circumstances. Do we fulfil the eligibility criteria?
A: The project as you have outlined would be appear to be eligible under the criteria outlined in the Guidance Note. Please note the submission of your application does not guarantee funding.
Q: 1. When are the decisions going to be made and outcomes announced?
2. When do the money have to be spent by? Is there a fixed date (eg 31 October 2027) – or is it 12 months since the outcome is announced – or maybe 12 months from the receipt of the funds?
3. In the ‘quality of management’ section (2f) you suggest including a gantt chart or other visual aids. However, we’ve been unable to edit the document to insert such visual aids. Can they be emailed to you in a separate document (appendix)?
4. Likewise, for the project budget (section 2g) we would like to provide some additional details; is it OK to redesign the table to add some additional columns or – better still – send you a separate appendix?
A: 1. As per the Guidance Note, October 2026 is the indicative timeline for the communication of outcomes to applicants.
2. As per the Guidance Note, “all funding awarded to Grantees must be fully expended within a 12-month period from the date of receipt of funds. Grant funds that are unspent by the end of the funding period must be returned to DCDE”.
3. If you wish to include any visual aids, they should be included within the application form itself. If you are unable to add a visual aid to the existing text box, then you may add it below section 2(f), outside of the existing text box.
4. If you wish to include any additional details on the project budget, they should be included within the application form itself. You may redesign the table as you wish (as long as the information requested in the original table is clearly included in some way), and you may also add further explanatory text below the table if required.
Q: We are considering applying but we note in the guidance notes that funding from a government department or state agency is not eligible. We receive funding from Government Departments / State Agencies. Can you confirm that this would make us not eligible to apply?
A: Receipt of funding from a Government Department or State Agency should not prevent an organisation from applying. The guidance note states that “Organisations already in receipt of funding from a Government Department or State Agency for a similar project are not eligible to apply.” Applicants must show through their applications that the proposed project that is being submitted is not already being funded or supported by a Government Department or State Agency.
Q: I work in a public hospital, and we want to partner with an Irish charity as part of our project. If we collaborate with this charity, would our organisation and project be considered eligible for submitting an application?
A: The Guidance note states that “the Fund specifically aims to support not-for-profit, non-statutory organisations based in the Republic of Ireland that are community-led and providing services, supports or advocacy for community benefit. They must operate outside of formal state-run systems such as education or health service delivery.”
With this in mind, public hospitals and other statutory health service providers are not eligible to directly apply for this Fund. However it would be envisaged that a public hospital can be a named partner may participate as a partner on an application that is led by an eligible community or voluntary organisation. The eligible community or voluntary organisation would be required to act as the lead applicant and demonstrate how the proposal meets the Fund’s objectives and eligibility requirements. Please note that submission of your application does not guarantee funding.
Q: We are currently completing our incorporation as a Company Limited by Guarantee — not-for-profit, non-statutory and community-led — and we expect this to be finalised within the coming week, before the application deadline of 31 July. Could you please confirm:
- Whether an organisation that is finalising its CLG incorporation is eligible to apply, provided registration is completed before the application deadline (or, if relevant, before any award is drawn down)?
- At what point the organisation needs to be formally registered — by the application deadline of 31 July, or by the time of award/drawdown?
- What documentation, if any, you would need to confirm our eligibility.
A: In response to your first two queries, your organisation will need to fit the stated eligibility criteria by the application of deadline on 31st July 2026. The application form requests applicants to complete a small table of “Organisation Tax Clearance Details”, I
In response to your final query, no additional documentation is required at this stage beyond the information requested within the application form to confirm your eligibility. As stated in the Guidance Note, “All applications will first be checked for their eligibility by DCDE officials. Applications deemed to be ineligible will be disqualified, while applications deemed to be eligible will be assigned for assessment.”
Q: Can we employ a worker with the funding that is available (and the associated costs with employment)? We are in the process of exploring a having a NGO as a host employer.
A: As per the Guidance Note, the following is listed as an eligible cost: “Staff costs – limited strictly to time spent on approved project activities and to the project duration. No funding will be available beyond the project end date.”
Q: 1 – “Please state any previous funding received for this project”. The project started in 2021. Do I need to list all funding received since the start? Including State and non State?
2 – “Please outline any sources of once-off funding received by your organisation in 2026, including the title of the project to which this funding was allocated”. Is this only funding in relation to the project? We are seeking funding for an evaluation, we have received funds to sustain the project in 2026 but I’m not sure if that is relevant to the above question
3 – “Please provide detail of any membership of consortia, including membership of Child and Family Support Networks and of Children and Young People’s Services Committees (CYPSC), if applicable”. Should I list all memberships or only relevant memberships?
A: 1. This table should include any funding previously received that that relates or in respect to the project for which you are applying for funding under this Fund.
2. This table should include any sources of once-off funding received by your organisation in 2026, and whether or not the funding relates to the project for which you are applying for funding.
3. Please include any memberships, consortia, networks or committees that are applicable to your application for funding under this fund.
Q: We are currently preparing an application to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of an existing programme for young people and support for parents and guardians. Could you please clarify if an independent external researcher is required to obtain ethical approval for this type of evaluation?
A: The involvement of an independent external researcher does not require ethical approval. Ethical approval will depend on the nature of the proposed evaluation and the data collection methodology. Where a project proposes to collect information directly from children, young people and/or families, applicants should consider whether REC approval is required and seek appropriate advice. Some proposals may require approval from an REC. Responsibility for determining and securing ethical approval rests with the applicant. Applicants are asked to indicate in their application where ethical approval is required and if so, from which REC. For additional information, please refer to the “Research Ethics Considerations” section on page 9 of the Guidance Note.
Q: How long is the maximum duration that I can design my proposal for What Works In Communities Fund?
A: As per the Guidance Note: “All funding awarded to Grantees must be fully expended within a 12-month period from the date of receipt of funds. Grant funds that are unspent by the end of the funding period must be returned to DCDE. All project costs must be directly related to the approved project activities, clearly detailed and justified in the application, and in line with the eligible and ineligible cost guidance set out in the next section “Eligible and Ineligible Project Costs”. As outlined in the “Project Reporting” section of this document, Grantees will be required to submit details of all costs in the end-of-project report.”
Q: As a university postdoctoral researcher, am I eligible to apply if my application focuses on child-centered prevention and early intervention?
A: The Guidance note states that “the Fund specifically aims to support not-for-profit, non-statutory organisations based in the Republic of Ireland that are community-led and providing services, supports or advocacy for community benefit. They must operate outside of formal state-run systems such as education or health service delivery.” With this in mind, universities are not eligible to directly apply for this Fund, however it would be envisaged that universities can be a named partner on an application that is led by a community or voluntary group, typically bringing a research, evaluation, or training expertise to the project.
Q: Regarding the funding application, do you accept applications from organisations that wish to use an independent external researcher to co-produce the research? If yes, is that researcher – who is not affiliated with any university – still required to seek ethical approval from a university REC?
A: As per the Guidance Note, “Organisations with limited existing evaluation capacity may use this Fund to engage external researchers or consultants, provided evaluation activities are co-produced and demonstrate staff development in the area of evaluation… Where applicants plan to use researchers or consultants under this Fund, they must demonstrate in their application how they plan to align with the above guidance.” The involvement of an independent external researcher does not require ethical approval. Ethical approval will depend on the nature of the proposed evaluation and the data collection methodology. Where a project proposes to collect information directly from children, young people and/or families, applicants should consider whether REC approval is required and seek appropriate advice. Some proposals may require approval from an REC. Responsibility for determining and securing ethical approval rests with the applicant. Applicants are asked to indicate in their application where ethical approval is required and if so, from which REC. For additional information, please refer to the “Research Ethics Considerations” section on page 9 of the Guidance Note.
Q: We would very much appreciate it if you could confirm whether we are eligible to apply for the What Works In Communities Fund 2026. Our situation is as follows:
- We are a non-profit social enterprise that works with school groups during school hours/term times.
- We deliver climate literacy programmes and workshops with climate and social justice as key themes.
- We are currently delivering projects with marginalised communities, funded by Research Ireland and Pobal.
A: As per the guidance note, “the Fund specifically aims to support not-for-profit, non-statutory organisations based in the Republic of Ireland that are community-led and providing services, supports or advocacy for community benefit”.
In addition, “the project must have a prevention and early intervention focus. Prevention is defined as “providing a protective layer of support to stop problems from arising in the first place or from getting worse”, while Early Intervention is defined as “providing support at the earliest possible stages when problems occur” (Prevention and Early Intervention Network, 2026). For the purpose of this funding call, the “problems” in these definitions typically refer to social issues.”
If your organisation meets these criteria, then the application will be considered eligible.
Q: We are a community-led, not-for-profit organisation that is seeking to deliver a programme within a state-run facility. Would our project be eligible if we are the lead applicant and delivery organisation?
A: The project as you have outlined would be appear to be eligible under the criteria outlined in the Guidance Note. Please note the submission of your application does not guarantee funding.
Q: Are supporting materials accepted as part of applications?
A: Supporting materials are not permitted for this funding call and any additional documentation sent will not be considered. Applicants will be marked solely on their submitted application forms.
Q: For larger organisations, should all sources of 2026 funding be listed in Section 3?
A: In this case, only sources of funding relevant to the initiative or project seeking funding should be listed.