Applications open for council environmental fund

Cork City Council is inviting applications for a fund worth €50,000 to help deliver projects that improve biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, reduce emissions, and enhance neighbourhoods.

The Local Environment Action Fund (LEAF) 2026 will provide grants ranging from €1,000 to €25,000.

It will fund projects such as pollinator planting schemes, rain gardens, community orchards, biodiversity enhancements, energy upgrades to community facilities, small scale projects, environmental workshops, and community sustainable events.

Funding it open to members of the Cork City Public Participation Network (PPN) only, and projects must be completed between September and November 2026.

Approximately 80% of funding will be allocated to capital projects, with the remaining funding supporting community events, training and awareness raising initiatives.

Projects must demonstrate collaboration with a least one other community organisation where possible, which a spokesperson for Cork City Council said was to reflect the programme’s emphasis on partnership and shared action.

“The LEAF fund is built around a simple idea: communities working together to improve their local environment,” they said.

Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Damian Boylan said the most effective climate action happens at community level.

“The Local Environmental Action Fund will help turn good ideas into real projects that leave a lasting legacy for Cork city.

“Whether it’s creating wildlife habits, improving community spaces or helping people learn new skills, I would encourage all community groups to take this opportunity and apply,” he said.

The fund has been organised in partnership with IPB Insurance, which provides insurance to local authorities and state agencies in Ireland.

John Hogan, Chair of IPB, said the LEAF Fund is important to the company during its centenary year.

“In our centenary year, this LEAF Fund represents a meaningful investment in the future of towns and communities across Ireland, delivered in partnership with the local authorities who founded IPB,” he said.

Before submitting an application, groups should consider how their project will benefit the local environment, and how they can involve other community organisations.

They must also consider how the project will continue to deliver benefits after the funding period, and how the project aligns with wider biodiversity and climate action goals.

Applications for the fund are now open, and the deadline for applications is 29 July.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.