Applications are now open for the 2026 / 2027 Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), the Irish Government’s flagship programme for supporting Irish diaspora around the world.
The Emigrant Support Programme provides grants to organisations in the voluntary sector that support Irish people and communities around the world.
These projects include community care services to vulnerable members of the diaspora, as well as programmes that foster a sense of community, enhance networks, nurture Irish heritage, and strengthen the relationship between the diaspora and home.
The Irish Government’s Emigrant Support Programme works with hundreds of Irish community organisations across the world to support our most vulnerable and to nurture our culture & heritage.
— Irish Foreign Ministry (@dfatirl) January 15, 2026
Our 2026 grant round is now open. Find out more: https://t.co/Tkyh4rAu3K pic.twitter.com/2zWIytCJME
Since its inception in 2004, the Emigrant Support Programme has assisted more than 900 organisations in 51 countries with grants of over €265 million. Grants have ranged from small amounts for grass-roots groups to allocations awarded to voluntary and community organisations operating large-scale, culturally sensitive frontline welfare services for the most vulnerable.
The work is conducted in partnership with Ireland’s Embassies and Consulates, together with a large number of Irish organisations abroad.
The funding year runs from July 1 until June 30 the following year.
The application period is now live and will close at 11:59 pm Irish time on Wednesday, February 4. More information on how to apply is available here.
Welcoming the opening of the 2026/2027 application period, Ireland's Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond said: “For over 20 years now, the Emigrant Support Programme has been a clear demonstration of the Government’s desire to deepen the bonds with our diaspora.
"This year’s allocation of €17.5m is the ESP’s highest allocation to date and reflects our continued commitment to building vibrant and sustainable Irish communities abroad.
“Since taking up this role, I have been lucky to meet with many of the service providers and volunteers who deliver vital frontline welfare programmes or run clubs for older emigrants, as well as with a number of the groups that come together around the world to celebrate our culture, language, heritage, and sports.
“As we look to 2026 and beyond, I am committed to ensuring the ESP continues to deliver for the most vulnerable and further strengthens our ties with younger generations and underrepresented groups.”
The Minister also provided an update on the Government’s new Diaspora Strategy, saying: “Last year, I undertook a wide-ranging consultation exercise with our diaspora and community organisations across the world to better understand the needs, challenges and opportunities facing the Irish abroad in the years ahead.
"This was a very positive engagement and I look forward to launching the new strategy at the Global Irish Civic Forum in Croke Park in April.”
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You can learn more about Ireland's Emigrant Support Programme here.
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