Photo credit: Paul Van Hoof
Small Grants Scheme
As part of our commitment to supporting small projects to conserve our Irish bats, Bat Conservation Ireland developed a Small Grants Scheme, which was launched in 2017. This scheme is open to members of Bat Conservation Ireland and has 4 funding streams:
- Funding for Bat Groups;
- Funding for events (to be carried out in line with any public health restrictions/guidelines in place at the time);
- Irish-based bat research; and
- Carrying out bat conservation work.
Project are required to be completed during the time period April to November in the year funding was applied for.
- SUCCESSFUL PROJECT CASE STUDIES COMING SOON…
Bat Conservation Ireland is delighted to announce the re-opening of grant funding for bat-related research, conservation and events in Ireland for 2025. We have a limited fund to support activities in 2025 that will promote and/or conserve bats in Ireland. You can find the online application form in the link below:
The 2025 Small Grants Scheme will also be announced on out social media platforms. The deadline for applications for the current funding phase is 5pm on Friday 18th April 2025.
Depending on the project, the submission of interim and final reports may be required to qualify for the funding. Applicants also must be a current member of Bat Conservation Ireland to qualify. Please refer to the grant Terms and Conditions, before completing your application, which you can see here: Bat Conservation Ireland Grant Terms and Conditions.
Should you have any queries about the application process or your proposed project, please e-mail: [email protected]
Tidy Town Special Awards
Each year, we announce a Special Award to celebrate Tidy Towns Ireland.
In 2025, we are sponsoring two awards worth €1,500 each.
The first award is to help create an area of your town and village which you are designing and developing to help encourage bat activity. This includes, but is not limited to planting for bats, creating a pond or water feature, planting and/or preserving mature trees and hedgerows, and enhancing areas that have already been developed to encourage bat activity.
The second award is to create a public art mural or street artwork that highlights the importance of promoting biodiversity and creating garden and outdoor spaces that encourage bat activity.
For this competition we always like to see how bats can inspire the creation of beautiful art and spaces. The theme for the 2025 competition is ‘Bats Benefit our Community!’
For more information and to keep up to date with award announcements, visit https://www.tidytowns.ie/ . If you are interested in applying for the Bat Conservation Ireland Special Awards for 2025, please see numbers 14 and 15 at: https://www.tidytowns.ie/competition/2025-pecial-award-entry-forms/