Parent and Toddler Group Grant 2025 launched today

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea welcomes the announcement that additional funding of €100,000 has been secured, on top of last year’s allocation of €250,000, to reflect the growth of Parent and Toddler groups in recent years.

The funding will be allocated to Parent and Toddler Groups nationwide through local City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs).

From today, Wednesday, 26 February, Parent and Toddler Groups are invited to make an application for funding under this Initiative through their local CCC.

The funding can be used for a variety of purposes including children’s toys, equipment and books as well as children’s refreshments and snacks. It can also be used for children’s activities such as arts and crafts and music. Parents can also be supported with parenting courses and courses in first aid for children.

Following from the success of the additional funding streams in previous year’s grants, the Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative 2025 will again offer three streams of funding:

1. €800 for existing groups

2. €1,000 for the establishment of new groups.

Additional 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 can fund costs such as refreshments, information leaflets and insurances. It is open to any existing or new organisations or groups who wish to offer a minimum of six organised walks within their community.

Deputy O’Shea added “this is a great support for the wonderful work these groups provide, they provide a valuable opportunity for the child’s parents/carers to meet in the community. It is very encouraging to see that more and more parents and toddler’s avail of these groups. These groups are an important source for new parents, parents who are new to an area and also for parents who have newly arrived into Ireland. It enables social contact for Parents/Guardians and an opportunity to get to know people in the area that have children of similar age.

Last year, 395 groups Parent & Toddler groups received grants. First 5, the Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families, recognises children’s early years as a critical and distinct period to be enjoyed.

Conditions apply and the City and County Childcare Committees are available to discuss requirements with new and existing groups. Contact details for all of the CCCs are available at gov.ie – City and County Childcare Committees.

Applications for the 2025 Parent & Toddler Grant opened on Friday 21 February and close on Friday 21 March.