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LEAF Grant 2026

LEAF (Local Environmental Action Fund) – Communities Working Together for Climate

This fund supports the sustainability aims of Tidy Towns groups and similar voluntary groups in County Wicklow who contribute to improving their community’s local environment.

LEAF Fund Logo
Communities Working Together

OBJECTIVE

Empowering Tidy Towns and other voluntary community groups to take meaningful action to improve their local environment through impactful, community-driven projects, collaborating with community stakeholders.

ELIGIBILITY

  • Tidy Towns and voluntary groups undertaking similar activities (e.g. residents associations)
  • Groups must be registered with their local Public Participation Network (PPN) 

PROJECT SCOPE

Projects must focus on climate action, biodiversity and sustainable development. Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Biodiversity conservation (e.g., creating or managing pollinator-friendly spaces).
  • Tree planting and urban greening initiatives.
  • Renewable energy projects (e.g., installing solar panels for community buildings).
  • Waste reduction and recycling initiatives.
  • Water conservation projects.
  • Public education campaigns on sustainability.
  • Climate resilience projects. Climate adaptation projects that build local resilience such as rain gardens, ponds, beach sand ladders.
Community Collaboration

All applications should include collaboration with at least one other community stakeholder group (for example, local schools, youth clubs, Lions club, sports club, Men’s/Women’s Sheds and many more). If not possible, the application should outline the reason why.

Environmental Statement

Applications must include a clear statement detailing the project’s proposed impact on the environment and local community benefit. Keep it brief, and relevant.

Evaluation

Relevance to Climate Action/Sustainable Development (40%)

  • Alignment with local climate action plans.
  • Contribution to biodiversity and environmental improvement.
  • Meeting targets in the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Community Engagement and Impact (20%)

  • Demonstrated benefit to the local community.
  • Level of community engagement and participation in the project.

Feasibility and Sustainability (20%)

  • Practicality and timeline of implementation.
  • Plans for ongoing maintenance or long-term sustainability.

Innovation and Creativity (20%)

  • Novel approaches to tackling environmental challenges.
  • Use of local knowledge and resources.
Submission Requirements
  • Completed application form SEE BLANK FORM BELOW 
  • Project proposal (minimum of 500 words – maximum 1000 words) outlining objectives, methodology (how the group will achieve their objectives), and expected outcomes (included in application form)
  • Budget breakdown (included in application form)
  • Evidence of PPN registration (included in application form)
Submission Deadline

All applications must be submitted by Friday 7th August 2026.

Review Process

Applications will be reviewed by an evaluation panel in Wicklow County Council.

Awarding of Grants
  • Successful applicants will be notified by Wicklow County Council on 14th August and can commence their project following this date.
  • Half of the project costs will be issued on commencement, and the second half will be issued on completion of project, subject to site visit and proof of expenditure.
  • Grant awards range from €1,000 up to €25,000 subject to scale of project submitted.  
Monitoring and Reporting

Grant recipients should provide the following:

  1. Final Impact Report: Provide a brief summary of activities, outcomes, and expenditure report (including receipts). Project must be completed before 4th December 2026.
  2. Before and After Photos where relevant: To visually demonstrate the impact of the project.
  3. Evidence of expenditure: invoices / receipts must be retained and provided to Wicklow County Council or their representative to support payment of funds.
ADDITONAL INFORMATION
  • The information supplied by the applicant group/organisation must be accurate and complete.
  • Misinformation may lead to disqualification and/or the repayment of any grant made.
  • The application must be signed by the Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer or responsible person of the group/organisation making the submission.
  • It is the responsibility of each group/organisation to ensure that it has proper procedures and policies in place including appropriate insurance where relevant.
  • Photographic evidence of the project may also be required to facilitate draw down of grants.
  • Wicklow County Council may carry out unannounced site visits to verify compliance with Programme terms and conditions.
  • No third party or intermediary applications will be considered.
  • In order to process your application it may be necessary for Wicklow County Council to collect personal data from you. Such information will be processed in line with Wicklow County Council’s privacy statement which is available to view on https://www.wicklow.ie/Portals/0/adam/Content/2Fwa3BFE60yEf3eLpjg_YQ/Text/General%20Privacy%20Notice.pdf
  • A grant agreement/MOU will be put in place between successful applicants and Wicklow County Council.
  • A webinar will be held (date to follow) for further information / queries.
Local Environment Action Fund