The Government of Ireland has opened applications for the Civil Society Fund (CSF) 2027, providing a major funding opportunity for eligible international development organisations working on overseas development projects. The fund offers grants ranging from €50,000 to €800,000 per year, with projects able to run for up to five years. The Civil Society Fund supports projects that contribute to the priorities and commitments outlined in A Better World: Ireland’s Policy for International Development. The programme is particularly relevant to Irish international development NGOs, especially small and medium-sized organisations, as well as invited international NGOs. What Is the Civil Society Fund? The Civil Society Fund is an annual funding programme supporting overseas development initiatives designed to contribute to Ireland’s international development priorities. Successful projects can receive funding for a period of up to five years, with the maximum available grant set at €800,000 per year. The Department can fund up to 100% of eligible annual project costs, meaning applicants are not required to provide co-funding. However, the competition is highly competitive, and organisations must first pass an eligibility stage before they can submit a full application. How Much Funding Is Available? The CSF 2027 funding structure provides significant support for eligible development projects. Applicants can request: Minimum annual grant: €50,000 Maximum annual grant: €800,000 Project duration: Up to five years Co-funding requirement: None Department contribution: Up to 100% of annual project costs Indirect costs: Up to 10% of the annual CSF grant There is also a 49% dependency limit. Income received from the Department, directly or indirectly, must not exceed 49% of the applicant organisation’s overall income, based on the average of its published audited accounts over the previous three years. Who Can Apply? The Civil Society Fund is primarily aimed at eligible Irish international development NGOs and invited international NGOs. Irish organisations must have held a Registered Charity Number for at least two years as of 11 September 2026 and must comply with the annual reporting requirements of the Irish Charities Regulatory Authority. International NGOs must have received an invitation from the Civil Society Fund, be registered as charities in their headquarters country for at least two years, and comply with the relevant regulatory reporting requirements. Applicants must also demonstrate that their work meets the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) definition of Official Development Assistance and takes place in countries eligible for development assistance. Organisations must have appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures covering vulnerable adults, children, beneficiaries, staff and volunteers where relevant. What Projects Are Eligible? The fund is designed to support overseas development projects that can demonstrate a clear contribution to Ireland’s international development priorities. Applicants will need to demonstrate: A clear logic of intervention Capacity to deliver measurable results Alignment with A Better World Strong strategic, policy and financial systems Effective governance and financial oversight The programme can support development interventions in eligible countries, including appropriate humanitarian interventions involving chronic or protracted crises. However, applicants should carefully review the list of ineligible expenditure. The fund does not support areas such as core organisational funding, fundraising, individual or family sponsorship, major infrastructure schemes, evangelisation or proselytisation, standalone activities, and sudden-onset emergency responses. Two-Stage Application Process The Civil Society Fund 2027 uses a two-stage application process. First, interested organisations must submit an Eligibility Form together with the required supporting documents. The Department will then assess eligibility and notify organisations that are eligible to proceed. Eligible organisations will subsequently receive the full application form. The application will cover areas including the project summary, organisational background, governance and policies, the proposed project and additional information. Applicants must also submit supporting annexes covering the results framework, budget, estimated flow of funds, OECD DAC codes and salary breakdown. Important Deadlines Organisations interested in applying should pay close attention to the two key deadlines. The Eligibility Form and accompanying documents are due by 5pm on 11 September 2026. Required documents include the eligibility form, tax clearance certificate or equivalent assurance, audited accounts for the previous three financial years, and relevant safeguarding policies. Organisations that successfully pass the eligibility stage will receive the application form. The full application deadline is 5pm on 2 November 2026. Late applications will not be considered. The expected timeline is: Eligibility submission: 11 September 2026 Full application: 2 November 2026 Appraisal: December 2026–January 2027 Outcome notification: March/April 2027 Contracts and payments: April–September 2027 Why NGOs Should Consider Applying For eligible international development organisations, the Civil Society Fund represents a substantial opportunity to secure multi-year support for projects delivering measurable development results. The absence of a co-funding requirement and the potential for grants of up to €800,000 annually make the programme particularly significant for organisations with strong project management, governance, safeguarding and financial systems. Applicants should begin preparing early, particularly because the eligibility stage requires several important documents and the full application involves detailed financial, governance and results information. Final Takeaway The Ireland Civil Society Fund 2027 offers eligible international development NGOs the opportunity to access between €50,000 and €800,000 per year for projects lasting up to five years. Organisations should first determine whether they meet the eligibility requirements and prepare their supporting documentation before the September deadline. Those that pass the eligibility stage will then have the opportunity to submit a comprehensive project proposal by November 2026. Eligibility deadline: 11 September 2026 at 5pmFull application deadline: 2 November 2026 at 5pm Eligible organisations are encouraged to review the full call requirements carefully and ensure that their applications clearly demonstrate development impact, organisational capacity, strong governance and alignment with Ireland’s international development priorities. 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