Kildare County Council has launched the Climate Innovation Fund 2026, a new grant programme to support pioneering projects that address climate challenges and promote fresh approaches to climate action across the county.

The fund is open to community groups, voluntary organisations, businesses, social enterprises, individual applicants and other eligible organisations that live, work or study in the Clane–Maynooth, Celbridge–Leixlip, Athy or Naas Municipal District.

Funded by Kildare County Council through Local Property Tax (LPT), the programme aims to foster creative thinking, pilot initiatives, new partnerships and innovative delivery methods that can be replicated, adapted or scaled elsewhere. The Council is particularly interested in projects that test new ideas, trial innovative technologies, explore fresh methods of community engagement, or demonstrate novel responses to climate challenges.

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A key objective is to back projects that deliver climate benefits while generating learning and practical examples to inform and inspire future action. Innovation need not be highly technical; it can also mean applying existing ideas in new ways, forming new collaborations, or crafting creative solutions to local climate issues.

Applications will be assessed under four criteria: innovation, creativity and transferability (40%); climate and community impact (25%); feasibility and deliverability (20%); and value for money and funding need (15%).

Grant awards will range from €1,000 to €25,000. The Climate Innovation Fund is accepting applications until Sunday, 2 August 2026.