Minister Foley launches applications for €350,000 in Parent and Toddler Group Grants
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí:
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has today announced the launch of applications for €350,000 in Parent and Toddler Group Grants.
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.
From today, Thursday, January 15, Parent and Toddler Groups are invited to make an application for funding under this initiative through their local City/County Childcare Committees.
There are hundreds of Parent and Toddler groups around the country. This year the focus for the 2026 Parent and Toddler grants is to support groups in helping parents and children establish connections and to promote the inclusion of families from all backgrounds, abilities and cultures.
Minister Foley said:
“I’m delighted to be supporting the remarkable work of the Parent and Toddler groups who provide a valuable opportunity for parents/carers with younger children to meet up in the community. These groups are especially useful for new parents and parents who are new to an area.”
The maximum allowable total funding to be granted to new and standalone Parent and Toddler Groups in 2026 is €1,000 and the maximum allowable funding to be granted to new and existing Parent and Toddler Groups that are part of a larger organisation is €800.
Funding 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 insurance. It is open to any existing or new organisations or groups who wish to offer a minimum of six organised walks within their community.
The funding will be allocated to Parent and Toddler Groups nationwide through local City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs).
ENDS
Note for Editors:
While Parent and Toddler Groups are traditionally aimed at parents, they can include children and their childminders, grandparents and other guardians.
Funding is available for:
• Toys, equipment and books for indoor and outdoor activities, and children’s refreshments and snacks.
• Cleaning supplies.
• Storage for equipment.
• Training for parents, e.g. paediatric first aid, committee skills, parenting courses and session facilitation.
• First aid kits.
• Promotional leaflets including any required translations.
• Buggy walking groups.
• Children’s activities, e.g. arts and crafts, music.
• Funding will be available towards insurance or rent, up to a maximum of 50% of total funding for new and existing groups that are part of a larger organisation e.g. Family Resource Centre. The combined spend for insurance and rent cannot exceed 50% of total funding.
• Funding will be available towards insurance or rent, up to a maximum of 70% of total funding for new and existing standalone groups that are not part of a larger organisation. The combined spend for insurance and rent cannot exceed 70% of total funding.
From Thursday, 15 January, Parent and Toddler Groups are invited to make an application for funding under this initiative through their local CCC.
Conditions apply and the CCCs are available to discuss requirements with new and existing groups.
A list of CCCs is available at https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/city-and-county-childcare-committees.