Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton TD has announced the opening of applications for a €100,000 grant fund to support organisations delivering non-mainstream music education. The funding is designed for groups with limited or no access to other public funding and can be used to cover music classes, instruments, and equipment for out-of-school programmes. The scheme targets smaller organisations involved in community music initiatives, supporting socio-economically disadvantaged children and young people.
The Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme has previously helped children’s choirs, concert bands, brass bands, folk orchestras, and uileann piper groups. Minister Naughton emphasized the importance of music education as a way for young learners to express creativity, develop skills, and reach their full potential. The grants aim to make non-mainstream music classes accessible to children and young people in community settings.
Eligible organisations are invited to submit applications by 5pm on 6 April 2026. Applications must be emailed to nmmebs@education.gov.ie
using the official form, which should be completed, saved, and sent by the deadline. Selection criteria include a proven track record in non-mainstream music education, delivery of programmes for young people under 18, measurable learning outcomes, and a focus on socio-economically disadvantaged participants. Preference may also be given to organisations that have not received funding from this initiative previously and to those that provide a geographic and genre-wide spread of music education.
Funding is only available for programmes outside normal school hours and curriculum. Ineligible applicants include for-profit companies, schools, Music Education Partnerships already receiving Music Generation funding, individuals under 18, and professional performing groups. The final grant amounts will depend on the number of eligible applications and the number of children and young people supported by each organisation.
