Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton TD today (Monday 16 March 2026) announced the opening of applications for grants from a total fund of €100,000 for organisations delivering non-mainstream music education.
The grants allow organisations with limited or no access to other forms of public funding to pay for music classes, instruments and other equipment outside of school settings.
The Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme has helped children’s choirs, concert bands, brass bands, folk orchestras, uileann piper groups and more. It is targeted at smaller organisations involved in non-mainstream music education and community music initiatives who cater for socio-economically disadvantaged groups.
Minister Naughton said:
“It is vital that we provide our children and young learners with every opportunity to express themselves and show their creativity. Music education is one of the many holistic ways in which we can support children and young people in our communities to achieve their full potential.
“Today I am announcing a total grant fund of €100,000 which will enable organisations to continue to make non-mainstream music classes available to children and young people in out-of-school settings in their communities so they can have the chance to express themselves and explore their creativity while developing new skills.”
Interested and eligible organisations are invited to make their applications for grant funding under the Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme 2026 by 5pm on 6 April 2026.
Click here for the application form. Applicants must download the application form, complete all sections, save and send by email to nmmebs@education.gov.ie.
Organisations must submit their application by 5pm on 6 April 2026 in order to have it considered for the grant funding by the Committee for Non-Mainstream Department of Education and Youth funded Music Education.
