New funding scheme launched to support Healthy Clare initiatives

Community and voluntary groups across Clare are being urged to apply for funding under a new scheme which aims to improve and protect health and wellbeing across all life stages.

Clare’s Local Community Development Committee has announced details of the funding under the Healthy Clare Micro Fund for 2025.

The fund aims to support initiatives in Clare and across the country promoting health and wellbeing, aligning with Healthy Ireland’s vision where good health means achieving complete physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Two priority outcomes - Healthy Weight and Positive Mental Health - will be specifically targeted when funding allocations are considered.

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Community and voluntary groups in County Clare are encouraged to apply. Groups should register with the Clare Public Participation Network and be actively involved.

Commenting following the launch of the scheme, Cllr Alan O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, said: "The Healthy Clare Micro Fund 2025 presents a unique opportunity to advocate for health and wellbeing. By prioritising Mental Health and Healthy Weight initiatives, we can foster a more inclusive environment where everyone can flourish."

Director of Service for Rural Development, Clare County Council, Ann Reynolds, added: “The Healthy Clare Micro Fund 2025 offers a valuable opportunity for health and wellbeing groups to secure funding for their projects. This resource empowers communities to address the health needs of their residents. I encourage all eligible groups to take advantage of this fund to help realise a healthier Clare for everyone.”

The Healthy Clare priority outcomes align with the Healthy Clare Strategic Action Plan, the Healthy Ireland Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing, and the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP). One of the high-level goals for the Clare LECP is to prioritise physical, mental, and social well-being, making Clare a healthy place to live, work, grow, and learn.

Samantha McCarthy, Healthy Clare Coordinator, commented: “The Healthy Clare Micro Fund is a vital component of Healthy Ireland Round 4 Funding for Clare. This Micro Fund encourages applications with a focus on Healthy Clare’s two priority outcomes of Healthy Weight and Mental Health.” Ms McCarthy thanked the Department of Health, Pobal, Clare County Council, Clare LCDC, and the Healthy Clare Working Group for their support.

Applications for the Healthy Clare Micro Fund 2025 are now open to groups and organisations based in County Clare - click here.

The types of proposals that will be considered for funding include:

1. Support Fund for promoting a Healthy Weight (Max Grant €2,000)
2. Support Fund for promoting Positive Mental Health (Max Grant €2,000)
3. Creatively supporting Healthy Weight projects (Max Grant €500)
4. Creatively supporting Positive Mental Health projects (Max Grant €500)

MAIN PICTURE: Samantha McCarthy, Healthy Ireland Coordinator for Clare; Bernadette Haugh, Senior Executive Officer, Rural Development Directorate, Clare County Council; Cllr Joe Kileen, Chairperson ofClareLocal Community Development Committee (LCDC); James Murrihy, Sports Inclusion Officer wit hClare Sports Partnership; Ann Reynolds, Director of Services, Rural Development Directorate, Clare County Council; and Mary MacMahon, HSE Senior Health Promotion Officer and Chairperson of Healthy Clare Working Group.