The Minister for Education, Helen McEntee, has officially opened applications for the 2025 Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme, offering a total of €100,000 in grants to support music education projects across Ireland.
The scheme is designed for smaller organisations that have limited or no access to other public funding sources. Grants may be used to support the cost of music classes, instruments, and essential equipment.
Over the years, this initiative has supported a wide range of community-based music groups, including children’s choirs, concert bands, brass bands, folk orchestras, and uilleann piping collectives. It aims to empower non-mainstream music education initiatives that serve young people, especially those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Minister McEntee highlighted the importance of the scheme, saying:
“It is vital that we provide our children and young learners with every opportunity to express themselves and show their creativity. Music education is one of the many holistic ways in which we can support children and young people in our communities to achieve their full potential.
Today I am announcing a total grant fund of €100,000 which will enable organisations to continue to make music classes available to children and young people in their communities so they can have the chance to express themselves and explore their creativity while developing new skills.”
Eligible organisations are encouraged to apply for the 2025 Non-Mainstream Music Education Bursary Scheme before the deadline of 10 April 2025.
