Parent & Toddler Groups which are organised on a not-for-profit basis, and which involve the participation of parents in the local community, are eligible for grant aid from my Department.
These grants are available for the funding of:
- toys, equipment and books;
- training for parents, such as in paediatric first aid, committee skills and parenting courses; and
- children’s activities, including arts and crafts and music.
Limited funding is also available to contribute towards insurance, rent or minor refurbishment of the premises used by the Groups, up to a maximum of 30% of the total grant aid. These grants range from €100 to €1,000. Existing groups may apply for a maximum grant of €800. New start up groups may apply for a maximum grant of up €1000. The budget allocated to the parent and toddler grant programme in each of the years 2016 to 2020 is set out in the table below.
Programme Year
|
Budget Allocated Amount
|
Payments Granted
|
2016
|
€250,000.00
|
€224,419.00
|
2017
|
€250,000.00
|
€235,128.55
|
2018
|
€250,000.00
|
€244,538.00
|
2019
|
€250,000.00
|
€237,218.89
|
2020
|
€250,000.00
|
|