Dublin, 13 October 2025 — Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, has launched the application process for the 2026 Irish Aid Global Citizenship Education (GCE) Grants, a scheme designed to strengthen public understanding of global issues and encourage collective action for a fairer world.
Purpose of the Grants
The GCE programme supports organisations working to build awareness of the interconnected, unequal, and rapidly changing global landscape. It aims to empower people of all ages in Ireland to engage with international development challenges and to act responsibly as global citizens.
Eligible applicants include:
- Schools and third-level institutions
- Youth organisations
- Adult and community groups
Funding Details
- Grants range from €10,000 to €180,000.
- Funding is available for one, two, or three-year projects.
- The scheme includes the Innovation Challenge Fund, which backs initiatives that reach new audiences or pioneer fresh approaches, including the use of digital technologies.
Minister’s Call to Action
Minister Richmond urged non-profit organisations to apply, stressing the importance of education in shaping Ireland’s role in addressing global challenges:
“The world faces enormous challenges in the years ahead. Global Citizenship Education aims to build awareness and understanding of global development issues among the Irish public, encouraging both individual and collective action to help build a better world.”
He added that teaching about global issues should begin at early years and primary school level and continue throughout life.
Track Record and Timeline
In 2025, 36 organisations across Ireland received funding under the scheme, supporting projects in schools, universities, and community settings.
- Applications open: 13 October 2025
- Deadline for submissions: 28 November 2025
Outlook
The GCE grants reflect Ireland’s commitment to fostering global awareness, solidarity, and responsibility among its citizens. By supporting innovative educational initiatives, the scheme seeks to ensure that Irish people are equipped to understand and respond to the challenges of inequality, climate change, and global interdependence.
Source: Department of Foreign Affairs, Government of Ireland [1].
