Local Enhancement Programme (LEP)
Small grants for community groups towards equipment and improvements to their facilities. There is no fixed figure, each Local Community Development Committee shares out its allocation across local groups.
Last checked October 2026
What it is
Small capital grants for community groups and facilities, run locally by your Local Community Development Committee (LCDC). It began in 2018 as the Community Enhancement Programme, was called the Community Support Fund from 2022 and has been the Local Enhancement Programme since 2024. The 2026 round (€7 million) was awarded in July 2026.
Who can get it
- You are a community or voluntary group, such as a community centre, parish hall or local voluntary group
- You need a small capital item or improvement, for example equipment, furnishings or minor works to a community facility
- Your group is in the county whose Local Community Development Committee is running the round
- It is run locally: each county's Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) decides how its allocation is shared, so amounts and priorities vary by county.
- It is capital funding, for example for equipment and minor renovations to buildings. LEP 2026 was capital only, but Budget 2027 added €2 million of new current funding for small grants to help community groups with rising running costs in 2027.
- It began in 2018 as the Community Enhancement Programme, was renamed the Community Support Fund in 2022 and has been the Local Enhancement Programme since 2024. The 2026 round, worth €7 million, was announced in July 2026 with over 4,100 projects funded, so watch your LCDC for the next call.
How to apply
Applications go through DRCD. The official page has the full eligibility rules and the application itself.
Go to the official page →Checked against the official source on 20 October 2026. Always confirm the details on the official page before applying.
Questions people ask
What is the Local Enhancement Programme?
A programme of small capital grants for community and voluntary groups, towards equipment and improvements to community facilities. It was first launched in 2018 as the Community Enhancement Programme, renamed the Community Support Fund in 2022 and has been the Local Enhancement Programme since 2024.
How much can I get?
There is no set figure. Each county's Local Community Development Committee shares its allocation across local groups, so grants are usually small and vary by county.
Who can apply?
Community and voluntary groups, such as community centres, parish halls and local voluntary groups, mainly for capital items. Budget 2027 added €2 million for small running-cost grants in 2027.
How do I apply?
Through your county's Local Community Development Committee or local development company when a round is open. Check the official page or your county's site for the current call.
Related guides
- LEADER programme
- CLÁR programme
- Local Improvement Scheme
- Town & Village Renewal
- Outdoor Recreation Scheme
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