RTÉ Toy Show Appeal Grants - Closing Date for applications: Friday, 16 April 2021

The Toy Show Appeal has raised over €6,000,000 for a variety of organisations that support vulnerable children. 50% of the funds raised have been donated to three charity partners: Barnardos, Children’s Books Ireland and the Children’s Health Foundation. The remaining funds will be distributed as grants to organisations supporting vulnerable children across the country.

They will be distributed through an application and assessment process and focused around the following themes:

Strand 1: Ensuring basic needs: As it stands, about one in ten of Ireland’s children grows up in consistent poverty. That could mean living in a household with a very low income and without basics such as heat or nutritious food. The Covid-19 pandemic has greatly exacerbated this social inequality so the need for action is greater than ever. Proposals to this strand should ensure that children’s basic needs are met, such as warmth, security, safety, food and housing.

Strand 2: Improving well-being: Disability rates are increasing amongst our children and young people, with 6.7% of the under 20’s in Ireland now classified as having a disability. The need for disability and respite services is particularly acute for children. Proposals to this strand should create opportunities to improve the physical and mental health of children who are disadvantaged or have additional needs.

Strand 3: Reducing inequality through creative engagement: Creative programmes, when used to engage disadvantaged and marginalised children, can help reduce inequality, build confidence and break down social barriers. Proposals to this strand should create opportunities for children to engage with creative and cultural activities that enhance their personal development.

Funding Available

Registered children’s charities and charities working with Ireland’s most vulnerable children and young people are eligible to apply for funding in this grant round. Organisations can only apply once to one of the strands for funding between €25,000 and €150,000.

Collaboration between organisations is encouraged where measurable impact is amplified for the beneficiaries. Learn more details about this funding Here >