€1 Million Music Capital Scheme Announced as Irish Bands Invited to Apply for Instrument Funding
Irish bands and community music organisations are being encouraged to apply for funding towards musical instruments and equipment through the 2026 Music Capital Scheme, with €1 million announced for the programme.
The scheme, managed by Music Network and supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport, provides financial assistance to professional musicians and non-professional performing groups across Ireland.
Applications are currently open for Awards 1, 2 and 3, with a combined €500,000 available during the current funding round.
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Funding for community bands
The most relevant award for marching bands, accordion bands, pipe bands and other community ensembles is Award 1 – Non-professional Performing Groups.
A total of €235,000 is available under this category, with individual grants of up to €18,750.
Successful applicants can receive funding towards up to 75% of eligible project costs, meaning organisations must provide the remaining contribution themselves.
Eligible purchases include musical instruments and selected equipment, including instrument repairs, cases, accessories and certain sound equipment.
The scheme is open to non-professional groups performing in any musical style, alongside schools and community or youth organisations responsible for music-making.
Previous beneficiaries have included St John’s Pipe Band in Tralee and Clogher Road Community College Band in Dublin, demonstrating the scheme’s relevance to organisations involved in traditional and band music.
Applications and support sessions
Applications for Awards 1, 2 and 3 must be submitted by 2pm on Tuesday 15 December 2026.
Music Network is also providing free online applicant support sessions during November, including information sessions for organisations, artistic planning, application writing, creating recordings and preparing governance documents.
The organisation is particularly encouraging first-time applicants and groups that were unsuccessful in previous funding rounds to make use of the available support.
The remaining two awards under the wider €1 million Music Capital Scheme will open for applications in the new year.
Further information, application guidelines and forms are available through Music Network’s Music Capital Scheme website.
The scheme is available to eligible organisations in the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland-based bands are not eligible to apply under Award 1.