The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal has opened applications for two funding rounds that will take place during the first quarter of 2024.

In the Impact Grants round, applications are invited from children's charities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland who are undertaking larger scale projects, up to a maximum grant of £50,000. The Community Grants round, meanwhile, invites applications from smaller, community-level groups for funding up to £10,000.

Impact Grant applications will be accepted from regional or national registered children's charities with an annual income of £500,000 or more. Collaboration between organisations is encouraged where impact is substantially increased and where collaboration enables shared learning across the sector.

Project proposals must focus on children between the ages of 0-18 and must align with at least one of the three thematic areas of need:

Addressing Essential Needs - providing grants to ensure children's basic needs are met, like warmth, security, safety, food and housing.
Improving Health and Wellbeing - giving opportunities to improve the physical and mental health of children who are disadvantaged or have additional needs.
Creativity and Play - giving opportunities for children to engage with creative and cultural activities that enhance their personal development.

Impact Grants of £25,000 to £50,000 are available. Projects must start in June 2024 and run for 12 months.

The deadline for applications is 22 March 2024 (1pm).

For more information, please visit Available Grants - Community Foundation Northern Ireland (communityfoundationni.org)