€300,000 fund launched to support Dublin neighbourhood projects
Dublin residents with a vision for their neighbourhood can now tap into a €300,000 community fund, as the 'Crowdfund Dublin City' programme has officially opened for 2026.
With €228,249 already raised across 39 projects, this crowdfunding programme has provided local residents with the means to develop community gardens and allotments, health and wellbeing initiative, and art and cultural projects since 2023. The launch of this year’s programme took place in the Mansion House on Wednesday, where Lord Mayor Ray McAdam formally opened the Spring funding round.
“ The Crowdfund Dublin City Programme continues to highlight the creativity, passion and commitment that exists within communities across our city. Each year, residents and local groups come together to imagine new ways of enhancing their neighbourhoods and building community spirit,” he said.
“As we launch the 2026 round, I am excited to see the ideas that will emerge - projects that reflect the values and energy of the people who call Dublin home. This programme gives communities the tools and supports they need to create meaningful change.”
Dublin City Council has a fund of €300,000 that can be used to support locally-led projects across the city. To be part of this programme, overall project targets are capped at €10,000.
Successful projects have been wide‑ranging and include everything from sports equipment to murals, art exhibitions, chef training to help people into employment, cultural and historical publications, and initiatives promoting recycling and the circular economy. Delivered by Dublin City Council in partnership with Spacehive, participants could receive a pledge of up to 50% of their crowdfunding target, capped at €5,000.
As a unique way for groups across the city to fundraise, this programme allows the council to support projects in a unique manner. Having successfully run for several years, it gives even the smallest of ideas a chance to blossom into something bigger.
The event at Mansion House also featured insights from previous programme participants, Mary Fleming from Change Clothes Project, Karla Dragic from Mums Hub and Dean Hayden from Ballymun Athletics who shared their experiences of crowdfunding and delivering successful community projects.
Misha Dhanak, CEO of Spacehive, said: “Each year, we are inspired by the dedication of residents throughout Dublin who want to improve their local areas and bring creative innovative ideas to life.”
“Spacehive is committed to helping every project creator succeed, with workshops, one‑to‑one guidance, and resources available throughout the process. We look forward to supporting this year’s projects as they grow into impactful improvements across the city.”
Residents and community groups can now begin submitting ideas to the Spacehive platform, where they can attract public support and may qualify for match funding from Dublin City Council. Full programme details and timelines are available at: www.spacehive.com/movement/dublincity/about
This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme