Parent and Toddler Group Initiative Grants 2011

Introduction

Building on the success of the Parent & Toddler Group Initiative in 2007/2008, (a strategic partnership between the Office of the Minister for Children (OMC) and the Katharine Howard Foundation (KHF) under the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006-2010) grants were awarded to 837 groups throughout the country. The Initiative developed a support and information strategy, in collaboration with the City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs), to assist the promotion and expansion of Parent and Toddler Groups. The grants recognise that Parent and Toddler Groups are providing informal support to parents, grandparents and childminders, as well as to young children. These groups are an important source of social contact especially for new parents and families new to an area.

The 33 CCCs will work directly with Parent & Toddler Groups in the administration of the grants in 2009. The grant scheme for Parent & Toddler Groups will be operated on a flexible basis to respond to the local needs of the groups, and in accordance with agreed national criteria and an approved assessment process. Funding will be available on an annual basis.

Information on grants available

Applications for funding under this scheme should only be made by Parent & Toddler Groups that are organised on a not for profit basis and involve the participation of parents in the community. Grants will normally range from €100 to €600.

Funding will be available for: -

Toys, equipment and books
Training for parents, e.g. paediatric first aid, committee skills, parenting courses
Children’s activities, e.g. arts and crafts, music
Limited funding will be available towards insurance, rent, training or minor refurbishment

Funding will not be available for:-

Groups operating out of private homes
One off events such as outings, parties and trips
Groups with €4,000 or more income in 2010
Groups that received KHF funding in 2010 and did not return the Progress Report and submit ALL receipts for funding received in 2010 for retention by WCCC..

Important dates:-

Application forms to be returned by 18th February 2011.
Notification of decisions and payment of grants will be made by March 2011.

How to apply:-

Please detach and fill in the application form, using clear block writing. Please ensure that all sections are completed and the application is signed by a committee member. Simple financial records are important for groups in receipt of grants as they offer protection for all involved. However, newly formed groups do not need to provide a financial record until they are in existence for one year.

This form may be photocopied, if required. Send it to:-

Grants for Parent & Toddler Groups,
Westmeath County Childcare Committee Ltd.,
Old Mullingar Area Office (inside gates at right of Arts Centre),
Mount Street,
Mullingar,
Co Westmeath.