Heritage campaigners have been invited to apply for a share of €3 million to help realise their projects.
The cash is available to individuals, groups and organisations working to preserve special features in their environment.
The Heritage Council said it will consider grant applications for projects involving biodiversity, archaeology, publications, restoration of heritage buildings, museums and archives.
"Heritage belongs to people and we are all custodians of our rich natural and cultural heritage," said Michael Starrett, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council.
"The aim of the grant programme is to encourage and enable people throughout Ireland to enjoy, record, conserve, restore and celebrate the distinctive qualities of their local heritage, their community and their environment."
There are seven schemes offering funding for next year and applications must be in by November 3rd, except for the Buildings at Risk programme, which is open until March 31st, next year.
A special grant fund of €500,000 has been allocated this year for biodiversity projects.
Previous projects to have benefited from the funding include the restoration of wildlife habitats, historic buildings, railways and monuments.
PA