Cork City Council Twinning & Diaspora Grant is now open
Cork City Council’s Twinning & Diaspora Grant will open on Friday 16th January, and remain open until Friday 13th February 2026.
Speaking about the launch, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Fergal Dennehy, said:
“The Twinning Grant provides opportunities for Corkonians to develop meaningful connections with our international partner cities. Last year the grant supported exchanges in music, education, sports and business, and I look forward to seeing what ideas people bring to the table this year.
This year, we are also expanding the scope of the grant to any member of Cork City’s global diaspora. Corkonians have made a huge contribution to their chosen homes all around the world, and this grant is an opportunity to support their work and connectivity with Leeside”.
This annual grant supports projects that strengthen Cork City’s international relationships and global connections. For 2026, the grant includes exciting new opportunities:
- Open to Cork diaspora worldwide who wish to engage with Cork City through cultural, educational, business, community or other sectors
- Activities connected to Cork’s six twinned cities: Rennes, Cologne, San Francisco, Shanghai, Coventry, Swansea, or its three partner cities: Wuxi, Hangzhou, Shenzhen.
- Town twinning between Ballincollig and its twins of Saclay in France or Mechterstädt in Germany.
Applicants can apply for funding to cover up to 50% of total project costs. For example, if a project costs €3,000, the maximum grant awarded will be €1,500. All remaining costs are the responsibility of the applicant.
Key Dates:
- Opening Date: Friday 16th January 2026
- Closing Date: Friday 13th February 2026
- Results Expected: March 2026
All activities must take place within the calendar year in which the grant is awarded. Late applications will not be accepted.
Further information, including application forms and full guidelines, can be found on the Cork City Council website under “Twinning & Diaspora Grant 2026”.
If you have any questions about the grant, please contact: international_relations@corkcity.ie.