HEA Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Enhancement Fund 2026

18 Mar 2026

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) has opened applications for funding under the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Enhancement Fund 2026.

Each application must include one lead Higher Education Institution (HEI) and two partner HEIs. Please note that the HEA allow only one lead application per institution. Each grant awarded will have a maximum value of €75,000 for a duration of 18 months. 

There are four priority areas under this call:

1. Advancing gender equality in higher education 
2. Ending sexual violence and harassment in higher education
3. Advancing race equality in higher education 
4. Advancing awareness and understanding of intersectionality and multi-dimensional approaches to equality, diversity and inclusion.

For those interested in applying as the UCC lead applicant, please complete the Expression of Interest (EoI) Form by 12 noon, Friday 10 April 2026

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SHARE YOUR EXPESSION OF INTEREST 

Assessment criteria are included in the EoI form.

The successful UCC lead applicant will be notified by the EDI Unit by Friday 24 April 2026 and will then prepare the wider application in collaboration with partner HEIs. The final application must be submitted to the UCC EDI Unit for review by 22 May 2026. The final application will then be submitted to the HEA by the DPR on 28 May 2026.

To learn more about the wider call please see the HEA Equality Enhancement Fund 2026 Call for Applications. 

If you have any questions or require more information please contact ediunit@ucc.ie.