The Local Enhancement Programme provides funding to support community groups in disadvantaged areas.
Local Enhancement Programme (LEP)
What is the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP)?
The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP), funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, provides funding to support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, to repair or improve community facilities (e.g. building renovations or accessibility improvements) and buy equipment for community use (e.g. gardening, IT, or sports equipment)
Who can apply?
Any not-for-profit community or voluntary group can apply for funding. Commercial organisations and individuals are not eligible to apply.
How do I apply?
All applicants must complete the online application form and provide the required supporting documentation. The deadline for submission of applications is 4pm on Friday 27th February 2026.
APPLY HERE GuidelinesTo be considered for the LEP, groups / organisations must be registered with the Waterford Public Participation Network (PPN).
Please ensure you allow adequate time to complete your application and upload supporting documentation, as the deadline will be strictly adhered to and incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
I gcás iarratasóirí ar mian leo iarratas a dhéanamh i nGaeilge:
Foirm Iarratais 2026 TreoirlínteSeol iarratais Ghaeilge chomhlánaithe ar aghaidh chuig communitygrants@waterfordcouncil.ie nó sa phost chuig Deontais Pobail, Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge, Halla na Cathrach, An Meal, Port Láirge, X91 PK15.
If you have any queries or require further information please email communitygrants@waterfordcouncil.ie, or telephone 051-849735.
How are applications assessed?
The scheme is designed to ensure local priorities are identified and met, to improve and enhance community facilities for all. It is administered by the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and applications should relate to one or more key priority areas identified in the LCDC’s Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP) in order to be eligible for consideration.
Applications are evaluated by the LCDC to ensure that they are eligible and that they are targeted at addressing disadvantage as identified in the LECP. Projects must support the aim of the programme, which is to provide funding to communities across Ireland to enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas.
The maximum grant is likely not to exceed €5,000 and could be less if the scheme is oversubscribed. The Department has recommended that LCDCs ring-fence at least 30% of funding to provide small capital grants of €1,000 or less.
If the funding application is for one element, or a portion of a project, applicants will be required to provide documentary evidence of the availability of the balance of funding for that element of the project.
If you have any queries or require further information: Email communitygrants@waterfordcouncil.ie
