Local clubs and community groups are being urged to apply for a share of a €50,000 fund as MACE Community Grants returns for 2026, building on the success of its inaugural year.
MACE’s biggest community initiative returns for a second year and will see fifty groups and clubs across Ireland receive €1,000 each, supporting projects that make a meaningful difference in local communities.
Since launching in 2025, the initiative has already made a strong impact nationwide, with groups across the country benefitting from funding to support vital local projects.
The initiative is open to community organisations of all sizes, from sports clubs and youth groups to voluntary organisations and community associations.
MACE Community Grants is designed to recognise and support the people making a positive difference in towns, villages and communities nationwide.
This year’s campaign is fronted by MACE brand ambassador and former Ireland rugby captain Johnny Sexton. In a new video series, Johnny speaks with some of last year’s winners about how their MACE Community Grant helped bring local projects to life.
Commenting on the campaign, Johnny Sexton said:
“Local clubs and community groups play an incredibly important role in bringing people together and strengthening communities across Ireland. It was inspiring to see the impact last year’s winners made with their grants and I’m delighted to support a campaign that helps even more groups bring their ideas to life.”
Keith Crawford, MACE Sales Director added:
“The success of MACE Community Grants in 2025 demonstrated the strength of our retailer network and our retailers’ connections to their local communities. The campaign created real engagement at store level with retailers and their teams playing an active role in supporting local groups and driving awareness.
We’re delighted to bring the initiative back for a second year, giving our retailers another opportunity to support local organisations that bring a positive benefit to their communities.”
How to Apply
Entries open on 20th August and close on 10th September. To apply or nominate a local group, applicants can scan the QR code in-store or visit mace.ie/mace-community-grants . Applicants simply need to submit a short entry (under 150 words) explaining why their group deserves to win.
