News

NPWS Grants for Small Recording Projects 2025

Date Released: Thursday, March 20, 2025

The NPWS Grants for Small Recording Projects, managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) in Ireland, aim to support volunteer naturalists and recording groups.

The primary goal is to bolster the expertise in species identification and recording, essential for nature conservation efforts.  This grant scheme, now in its seventh year, has supported nearly 180 projects covering various aspects of Irish natural history. Examples include conferences, books, specialist equipment, training, and species surveys.  The 2025 grant scheme is now open for applications.

Grant Details:

  • Maximum individual grant value: €5,000 paid in arrears on vouched expenditure.
  • Number of grants awarded is based on total budget and quality of applications.
  • NPWS can award as many grants as deemed suitable.

Eligible Projects:

  • Biological recording, data collation, and dissemination related to the Natural History of Ireland.
  • All semi-natural and natural habitats or native species.

Eligible Costs:

  • Fieldwork expenses within Ireland.
  • Specialist fieldwork equipment, books, and keys.
  • Workshops and training courses.
  • Specialist training course attendance.
  • Websites and online databases.
  • Discrete elements of larger projects.

Ineligible Costs:

  • Fees for applicants' time or affiliated members.
  • Academic research, conservation measures, professional employment costs.
  • Non-specialist equipment, invasive/non-native species, domesticated species.
  • Duplicate funding.

Timescales

  • Grants should generally be claimed by 5th November 2025.
  • Grants for publications and purchases must be drawn down in full in 2025.
  • Applications can be considered for activities extending into 2026 under specific conditions.
  • Extensions can be applied for unforeseen delays, limited to one extension per grant, with applications due by 3rd September 2025.

Application Process

  • Applications must be submitted by 5pm on 4th April 2025 using the online form.
  • A maximum of two applications per applicant is allowed annually.
  • Ensure you have read the Terms and Conditions. (will add a link here)

Evaluation Process and Awards

  • Applications are screened for eligibility.
  • Evaluations are based on benefit to Natural History recording in Ireland, quality of the proposal, and feasibility and timescales.
  • Decisions are expected by May 2025.

Deliverables

  • Submit species records using the provided NPWS template.
  • Accompany records with a short project report (4-10 pages).
  • Submit a Financial Report with supporting documents (e.g. invoices).
  • For publications, donate a hard-copy or pdf to the NPWS library.

Payment

  • Grants are paid in arrears on vouched expenditure.
  • Payment is in Euros (€), upon project completion and submission of the final invoice and required documents.
  • Latest date for submission is 5th November 2025.

 

 

Grantees will be required to comply with the highest standard of transparency and accountability as documented in Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) circular 14/2013 – Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds. See also NPWS Grant Funding Criteria. For full terms and conditions please click the link below: