Croia, a service user at ChildVision, helped to launch the Children’s Active Play Fund. Photo: Kenneth O Halloran

€1.5 million children’s fund is ‘meaningful investment’

Charities in Cork are being encouraged to apply for Children’s Active Play Fund worth €1.5 million.

This national initiative will support between five to eight innovative projects that help children and young people under the age of 18 get active, build social connections and support their overall wellbeing.

The fund is a collaboration between Rethink Ireland, the Sunflower Charitable Foundation and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

Successful projects will be awarded up to €210,000 across three years and receive a spot on Rethink Ireland’s Accelerator Programme to support their growth and scaling.

Pádraic Vallely, Senior Philanthropy & Development Manager, Rethink Ireland, said: “This fund represents a meaningful investment in the future of our young people, supporting projects that will make physical activity and outdoor play accessible for all, especially those on the margins of society.

“We would like to thank the Government of Ireland and the Sunflower Charitable Foundation, who believe in the power of philanthropy and supporting innovative not-for-profits,” he added.

Caroline Madden, Head of Health, Rethink Ireland, added: “In a world where our young people are growing up surrounded by screens and technology, we need new ways to spark connection, movement and outdoor fun.

“We’re inviting applications from charitable organisations that can inspire children to get active, whether through sport, outdoor education, or creative play.

“Increasing physical activity will not only help reduce childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles but it will also promote emotional, social and mental wellbeing. We want to support projects that will address the holistic wellbeing of young people and benefit their lives in a real, tangible way.”

Samantha Briody, CEO, Sunflower Charitable Foundation, said: “As a foundation, our mission is to support the growth of resilient communities with a particular focus on the well-being of children and young people. The Foundation recognises the importance of outdoor play in a child’s life, and by investing in innovative solutions, the Children’s Active Play Fund will not only support individual projects but also influence policy and inspire new ways of tackling youth health challenges across Ireland.”

Applications are open at rethinkireland.ie/open-funds and will close on Friday 10 October.