Impact Round of RTÉ Toy Show Appeal opens for Grant Applications
Groups invited to apply for Impact Grants from RTÉ Toy Show Appeal
Applications open for second round of funding. Statement by The Community Foundation for Ireland
Groups are being invited to apply for support from a second round of funding being made available as a result of the huge generosity of viewers during the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal.
Following the successful first round of applications for a community round, grants are now being opened up for larger groups working with and supporting children.
The first year of the appeal in 2020 benefitted an estimated 600,000 children and their families as highlighted in an Impact Report showing how through their donations the 1.7 Million viewers of the Late Late Toy Show have given vital support to communities.
Impact Grants will be made under three thematic strands:
1. Addressing Essential Needs
Grants are available to eligible for strategic and impactful projects that help improve outcomes for children at a national and/or local level. Grants within this Strand of funding will be made to ensure that vulnerable children are safe, warm and fed; and they are properly supported in addressing educational needs. This Strand aims to improve living conditions and outcomes of children at risk in the short and longer term by providing holistic and practical supports and by improving their educational outcomes.
2. Improving Wellbeing
Grants are available to eligible organisations for strategic and impactful projects that help improve outcomes for children at a national or local level. Ill health is difficult at any point in life, but it can have significant and long-term impacts in childhood in terms of educational outcomes and emotional wellbeing. Covid-19 has created additional challenges in terms of mental health and social isolation. This Strand aims to improve the mental health and resilience of children in the short and long term and to increase quality of life for children with disabilities and serious health conditions.
3. Creativity and Play
Grants are available to eligible organisations for strategic and impactful projects that help improve outcomes for children at a national or local level. Creativity and play are essential to supporting children’s development of cognitive and social behaviours. This Strand aims to enhance personal and emotional development, resilience and wellness for disadvantaged children through creative programmes and activities.
Within each strand grants will range from €25,000-€75,000. As part of the Impact Grants Round, one large scale Transformative Grant (from €250,000 up to €400,000) will also be available under each theme for charities seeking transformative change for children. This grant will enable successful organisations to grow and scale their reach, as well as investing in organisation capacity to serve children better.
Organisations wishing to apply should check out details including criteria at www.communityfoundation.ie. Applications for this round will remain open until 21st March 2022.
Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of The Community Foundation for Ireland added:
“Following a first round of applications which drew an amazing response from across the country we are delighted to take the next step in turning the generosity of viewers into actions which benefit hundreds of thousands of children and their families. I would encourage groups and organisations to take time over the coming four-weeks to carefully examine the application process and criteria, and if they are eligible to make an application.
The team at The Community Foundation take the responsibility which has been placed on them by the viewers very seriously and will in the coming weeks be fully focussed in ensuring that the huge generosity we have is used to transform young lives.”
Commenting on the success of this year’s Appeal, Dee Forbes, Director General, RTÉ said. “We are thrilled that as a result of the public support for the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, many children’s lives will be improved. Some children’s lives are harder than others and we are confident that these grants will make a real difference in the lives of many children and families, in communities all around Ireland.”