Introduction

The focus of the 2025 Parent and Toddler grants is to support groups to include all families. Parent and Toddler (“P&T”) Groups provide informal support to parents/guardians, grandparents, and childminders, as well as to young children. These groups are an important source of social contact especially for new parents/guardians etc., and families, new to an area.

The CCCs will work directly with P&TGroups in the administration of the grants in 2025. The grant scheme for P&TGroups will operate on an agreed grant cycle and timeframe, and in accordance with agreed national criteria and an approved assessment process.

Information on Grants Available

Applications for funding under this scheme can only be made by P&TGroups that are organised on a not-for-profit basis and involve the participation of parents/guardians etc.  in the community. Grants normally range from €100 to €1,000 and the following will apply:

• New start-up P&T Groups may apply for a grant of up to €1,000.  
• Existing P&T Groups can apply for a grant of up to €800.

Additional Funding

Additional funding is available for the following:

Buggy Walking Group

Additional funding of up to €300 is available for new or existing P&T Groups to establish and operate Buggy Walking Groups. Buggy Walking Groups are organised social walks for parents/guardians etc., and their babies and toddlers. They provide a range of benefits including social interaction, physical activity, and emotional peer support. Groups are expected to be inclusive of all comers, but some groups might, for example, only concentrate on new and expectant mums and recently arrived parents and children from other countries.

• These groups, once established, will involve groups of parents/guardians, children etc., meeting for organised walks on a regular basis in their local community.
• These groups must organise at least 6 walking sessions by the end of the year.

The maximum allowable total funding to be granted for 2025 is €1,300 for new groups and €1,100 for existing groups.

Funding will only be available for:

• Toys, equipment, and books for indoor and outdoor activities. All toys should have the CE safety mark.
• Children refreshments and snacks. Food allergies should be considered when buying refreshments for the group. Please avoid fizzy drinks, sweets, and unhealthy snacks.
• Cleaning supplies, e.g. hand sanitiser, antibacterial wipes/spray, etc.
• Storage for equipment.
• Certified first aid kit.
• Training for parents/guardians, e.g. paediatric first aid, committee skills, parenting courses, and facilitated sessions.
• Promotional leaflets, including any required translations.
• Children’s activities, e.g. arts and crafts, music.
• Funding will be available towards insurance and rent, up to a maximum of 50% of total funding for existing groups that are part of a larger organisation e.g. a Family Resource Centre, etc. The combined spend for insurance and rent cannot exceed the 50% of total funding.
• Funding will be available towards insurance and rent, up to a maximum of 60% of total funding for standalone groups not part of a larger organisation. The combined spend for insurance and rent cannot exceed the 60% of total funding.
• Funding will be available towards insurance and rent, up to a maximum of 70% of total funding for new groups. The combined spend for insurance and rent cannot exceed the 70% of total funding.
• Funding awarded to Buggy Walking Groups is not eligible to be spent on rent.

Funding will not be available for:

• Groups operating out of private homes.
• P&T Groups with a closing balance of €3,000 or more on 31^st December 2024 (except where a P&T Group can provide a signed declaration that the funding available to the P&T Group is under €3,000).
• Groups that received funding in 2024 and did not return the Progress Report and receipts for items purchased with last grant.
• Outings, once-off events, and parties.

Existing groups who do not submit evidence of appropriate insurance when making their application.

Closing Date - Friday 28^th March 2025 @ 1pm

Download Documents

Guidelines for Parent & Toddler Groups

Application Form

Data Protection Declaration Form

2024 Annual Income and Expenditure Form (Exsiting Groups Only)