New Foundations
Closed
05 Jun 2025 / 24 Feb 2026
Deadline
17th July 2025
Duration
9 or 12 months
- Contactnewfoundations@researchireland.ie
- Maximum Award€12,000
Important Dates
The New Foundations Scheme supports eligible researchers who intend to pursue research, networking and/or dissemination activities within and across the diversity of disciplines.
Eligible applicants must, on the call deadline, hold a contract of sufficient duration with an Eligible Research Body to carry out the proposed research from the project start date until the project end date.
While postgraduate scholars are not eligible to apply to the strands that will run in this New Foundations Call, their involvement in the proposed projects is encouraged.
Strand 1a: Enhancing Civic Society (max €12,000)
Strand 1c: Interdisciplinary research networking awards (max €10,000)
Strand 4b: Education for Global Citizenship and Sustainable Development New Foundations Awards, in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Irish Aid), the Department of Education and Youth, and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (max €10,000)
Strand 10: Exploring Policing and Community Safety New Foundations Award, in partnership with the Policing and Community Safety Authority (max €20,000)
Strand 11: Valuing Volunteering, in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (max €25,000)
Strand 15: Social Enterprise Impact, Green Transition and Legal Form, in partnership with The Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (max €20,000)
Strand 17: The Heritage Council New Foundations Award, in partnership with the Heritage Council (max €10,000)
Strand 18: Fostering democratic engagement amongst communities experiencing barriers and disengagement, in partnership with The Electoral Commission (An Coimisiún Toghcháin) (max €15,000)
As per last year, the 2025 Call will run on the Smart Simple portal. You may apply here. It is a requirement of the scheme that all applications be endorsed on the online system by the Research Office deadline.
Applicant queries relating to New Foundations 2025 should be submitted to the relevant Research Office/Officer of the Eligible Research Body in the first instance. Research Offices may contact newfoundations@researchireland.ie with any unresolved queries. The New Foundations 2025 FAQ document will be updated on a weekly basis on this webpage.
The New Foundations 2025 Strand Information Webinar took place on Friday, 20th June 2025. The webinar is available to watch below: