The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has announced that applications are now open for the 2025/26 Parent Peer Support Fund, valued at €150,000. The scheme is designed to strengthen community-based initiatives where parents support one another by sharing knowledge, reducing isolation, and offering encouragement in navigating family challenges.
Under the programme, grants of up to €5,000 will be awarded to organisations working with parents and carers. Eligible projects include peer support networks for families raising children with complex needs, mental health conditions, or other shared life experiences.
Minister Foley said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing family supports:
“Parents supporting parents can have real benefits for families. It is clear to see the value this funding brings to the numerous organisations working with parents and carers around the country.”
The fund builds on commitments outlined in Supporting Parents: A National Model of Parent Support Services. Last year, €100,000 was distributed among 42 organisations, supporting projects focused on domestic violence, kinship care, breastfeeding, disability, and migrant families.
This year’s scheme will operate under two tiers:
- Tier 1: €2,500 grants for 37 organisations establishing or running new peer support projects.
- Tier 2: €5,000 grants for 12 organisations scaling up existing initiatives with proven impact.
The Parent Peer Support Fund is co-financed by the European Union through the European Social Fund+ and the Government of Ireland via the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) programme 2021–2027. Funding is provided directly to higher education institutions and community organisations to reduce upfront costs.
Applications must be submitted by Friday, 31 October 2025. Further details, including guidance and application forms, are available at gov.ie/NurturingSkillsLearnerFund.
For enquiries, contact: [email protected].
Ministers-Norma-Foley-and-Patrick-ODonovan-Picture-by-First5Ireland
