Emigrant Support Programme

The Emigrant Support Programme is a tangible expression of the Government’s support of, commitment to, and interest in the global Irish community. It aims to strengthen the international Irish community and its bond with Ireland. Through this programme the Government wants to fund projects that will have a clear and identifiable impact on supporting and building global Irish communities. The Irish Abroad Unit in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade manages and coordinates the programme in partnership with Ireland’s Embassies and Consulates abroad.

Since its inception in 2004, the Emigrant Support Programme has assisted over 530 organisations in 36 countries with grants totalling over €170 million. Grants have ranged from small amounts for grass-roots groups, to major allocations awarded to voluntary and community organisations operating on a large scale. In 2018 alone, there was over 490 applications from more than 20 countries requesting over €21 million worth of funding for the Programme's €11.6 million budget.

The Emigrant Support Programme will reopen for applications on Wednesday 16th January 2019.

Apply Online

You should apply to the Emigrant Support Programme using the online application form only.

We do not accept any hard copy applications.

If you wish to complete your Emigrant Support Programme application form in Irish, please contact us by email.

We have developed a range of information documents to assist organisations applying for Emigrant Support Programme Funding. These documents outline what we look for in our consideration of applications and highlight best practice to assist organisations in being successful with their applications.