Clare County Council and the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) have announced the launch of the Healthy Clare Micro Fund 2026 as part of the Healthy Ireland Fund, supporting community-led health and wellbeing initiatives across the county.
The fund focuses on two priorities, Healthy Weight and Positive Mental Health, with this year’s target groups being teenagers/young adults (14–25), adults aged 55+, people with mental health challenges, people with disabilities and marginalised groups.
Community and voluntary groups based in Clare are eligible to apply and are encouraged to be registered with the Clare Public Participation Network (PPN).
Director of Services of Planning, Economic, Rural & Community Development at Clare County Council, Jason Murphy, said, “The Healthy Clare Micro Fund provides vital support for grassroots projects that address identified local health needs. I encourage eligible groups to apply and make a meaningful impact within their communities.”
Chairperson of the LCDC, Cllr Joe Killeen, said, “Community-led responses are central to strengthening wellbeing in Clare. This funding will help local groups deliver practical, evidence-informed initiatives that align with the Local Economic and Community Plan’s goal of making Clare a healthy, equitable, and inclusive county.”
Healthy Ireland Coordinator at Clare County Council, Joan Tarmey, stressed the importance of focusing on the fund’s target groups. She said, “We are inviting applications for impactful projects that directly support the priority outcomes of Healthy Weight and Positive Mental Health. As demand for this fund is always very high, we are asking groups to read the guidance carefully and ensure strong alignment with the specified target groups when applying. This will yield wonderful projects for Clare communities and will deliver improved health and wellbeing right across the county.”
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Paul Murphy, said, “This fund continues Clare County Council’s commitment to supporting communities to thrive. By empowering local groups to deliver targeted health and wellbeing initiatives, we can help ensure people of all ages have opportunities to lead healthier, more connected lives.”
The fund is supported by Clare’s LCDC, Healthy Ireland (Department of Health), Pobal and Creative Ireland Clare and is in line with the Healthy Clare Strategic Action Plan, Healthy Ireland Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing, and the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP). To learn more about the scheme and to apply, click here.
Applications for The Healthy Clare Micro Fund 2026 are open until 5pm on Friday, April 10, 2026. All projects must be completed and reported on by October 30, 2026.
