Minister Richmond opens call for applications to Civil Society Fund 2027

Inviting applications, Minister Richmond said:

The Civil Society Fund supports development projects across key sectors such as education, health, human rights and economic empowerment. At a time when we are seeing unprecedented levels of poverty, hunger and conflict across the world, this work is more important than ever in protecting and supporting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities.

Support for civil society is crucial to achieving Ireland’s development cooperation objectives and working towards a safer, more secure, and equitable world for us all.

I have visited Irish Aid partner countries and seen first-hand how our collaborative efforts with civil society organisations continue to improve the lives of those communities most in need of our support.

Minister Richmond added:

As in previous years, I expect to see the 2027 Civil Society Fund receive high quality applications, aimed at positively impacting the lives of those furthest behind.

The Civil Society Fund (CSF) primarily supports Irish development organisations to carry out specific overseas development projects of up to five years duration. A limited number of international organisations working to promote and protect human rights are also invited to apply.

The call for proposals to the 2027 Civil Society Fund opens today. The closing date for receipt of Eligibility Forms is 5pm on 11 September 2026.

Responses to eligibility applications will issue by mid-September 2026, and application forms will follow by email to eligible organisations. The closing date for receipt of completed applications is 5pm on 2 November 2026.

Full information and relevant documentation is available here