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Introducing the Donabate Portrane Community Fund

We’re excited to introduce the Donabate Portrane Community Fund, a €50,000 grant scheme designed to spark positive change in Donabate, in partnership with Cairn.

We’re planning to provide eleven clubs, community groups and societies with the money for the kind of projects that can help brighten lives and uplift our community. This is your chance to make a real impact – get ready to enter and let’s create something amazing together!

Got a great idea? We’re all ears!

Whether it’s providing new gear for your local sports team, backing a social cause, helping drama groups take centre stage, or raising the voices of your community choir – we want to hear all about it!

Big or small,
every initiative matters

From promoting social and cultural activities to bringing people together through the arts and sports, no project is too big or too small. If it can spark joy, foster connection, or inspire change, we’re ready to back it.

What is the Donabate Portrane Community Fund?

The Donabate Portrane Community Fund, in partnership with Cairn, is designed to support clubs, community groups, and societies like yours who are already working hard to make a real difference in your area. This is for the community, by the community.

In total, we’re offering eleven awards to support eleven inspiring local projects with the potential to make a real difference in our communities.

APPLY NOW

Here’s how the funding breaks down:

2 awards of up to

€10,000

This could help a community group pay for a large-scale project, such as upgrading facilities, creating a new public space, or funding a major cultural or sporting initiative that brings people together.

3 awards of up to

€5,000

Perfect for mid-sized projects – whether it’s organising a series of workshops, funding a local event, or expanding the reach of a social cause.

6 awards of up to

€2,500

These smaller grants are ideal for grassroots initiatives like providing new equipment, supporting local arts or music groups, or funding smaller community-driven events.

Ready to make an impact?

Get set to bring your idea to life and apply now.  Follow the simple steps here where we will guide you step-by-step through the process. Let’s get started!

Complete the application form 

Give us some details about your club or organisation, what you stand for, and how this funding will help you reach your goals.

APPLY NOW

Outline your budget 

Supply details of what your project will cost, supported by supplier estimates where necessary.

FAQs

Donabate Portrane Community Council, in partnership with Cairn, is committing up to €50,000 in 2026 to support local organisations in Donabate by funding eleven community projects.

Funding is available for a total of eleven community-focused projects that bring people together and make a positive impact. From upgrading facilities, creating public spaces, organising local events, to supporting cultural, sporting, or social initiatives, projects of all sizes are welcome, and the money awarded will range from €2,500 – €10,000.

We are looking for active clubs, community groups and societies of any size in Donabate and Portrane to apply for funding for a project that they believe will be of benefit to the local community.

Once you have decided on the project you’re planning, you can complete your application for funding online. You will probably need to prepare your answers before you start so here’s an outline of what we want to know:

  • Describe your project and how it will benefit the community.
  • Tell us about your club, its purpose and goals, and how this money 
will help you to achieve them.
  • Outline your budget and timeline as accurately as possible.

When judging your project idea, we’ll be looking for innovative solutions that address key social challenges while creating real, lasting benefits for the community. Broadly speaking, we’re looking for you to supply the following information in your entry:

  • Tell us why it’s different
    What is it that you do that enhances everyday life and fosters community connections? Are you using a cool new process or technology? We’d love to hear how you’re shaking things up.
  • Explain who it helps, and how
    What’s the big win from your project? Share how it’s going to boost the wellbeing and growth of your community. Will it make life better, bring people together, or help the environment? Let us know how you’re making a real difference.
  • Detailed outline of the proposed project
    What are the goals and plan for your project? What are the timelines, budget and feasibility? Let us know how you plan on bringing this project to life!

Entry deadline – 31st May 2026

Finalists notified – 12th  June 2026

Awards Ceremony – June  2026

You’ll find the full terms and conditions right here.

Meet the Judges

Laura Carolan

Chairperson, Donabate Portrane Community Council (DPCC) || Laura is the current Chairperson
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Aideen Darcy

Project Manager, Home Together || Aideen’s career has spanned from land surveying (10 years) to managing arts, music festivals
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Madeleina Loughrey-Grant

Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer at Cairn || Madeleina leads the development of Cairn’s long-term strategic direction, integrating sustainability,
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Dee Woods

Radio Presenter || Dee Woods is a radio host and voice-over artist. You can find her
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