The Government has this week launched the Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative 2023.
Funding of €250,000 is available which will be allocated to Parent and Toddler Groups nationwide through local City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs). From this week, Parent and Toddler Groups are invited to make an application for funding under this Initiative through their local CCC.
This year the emphasis will be on supporting Parent and Toddler Groups that offer a welcome to families who are newly arrived in Ireland.
Following from the success of the additional funding streams in last year’s Initiative, the Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative 2023 will again offer three streams of funding:
1. Funding of €800 for existing groups and €1,100 for the establishment of new groups.
2. Funding of up to €300 is available to establish and operate Buggy Walking Groups. These Buggy Walking Groups are organised social walks for parents/guardians and young children. The grant is open to any existing or new organisations or groups who wish to offer a minimum of six organised walks within their community.
3. Additional funding of up to €300 is available for new or existing Parent and Toddler Groups to provide a second session to meet demand.
Conditions apply and the CCCs are available to discuss requirements with new and existing groups.
North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea welcomed the funding by saying:
“Parent and Toddler Groups provide a great meeting place for parents/guardians with young children to relax and chat together in a supportive environment while their children play. I want to thank all the groups that are offering a welcome and friendship to parents and children in their communities as well as those newly arrived to Ireland. I am delighted to see the Government supporting this work.”
Additional Information:
Funding is available for:
- toys, equipment and books for indoor and outdoor activities, and children’s refreshments
- storage for equipment
- training for parents, for example: paediatric first aid, committee skills, parenting courses, facilitate sessions
- promotional leaflets including any required translations
- children’s activities, for example: arts and crafts, music
- limited funding will be available towards insurance or rent, up to a maximum of 40% of total funding for existing services
- limited funding will be available towards insurance or rent, up to a maximum of 70% of total funding for new services and buggy walking groups
The maximum allowable total funding to be granted to new and existing Parent and Toddler Groups in 2023 is €1,400.
