Tips for Applying for the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal 2025

28 Feb

It’s RTÉ Toy Show Appeal time! Applications are now open for organisations dedicated to supporting children and families across Ireland. Eligible organisations can apply for funding under three key thematic strands:

Addressing Essential Needs Ensuring children and families have access to fundamental supports such as food, shelter, and other critical resources.
Improving Health & Well-being – Supporting mental and physical health initiatives that help children thrive.
Creativity & Play – Encouraging imaginative expression and play-based learning, helping children develop essential life skills in a fun and engaging way.

One of the biggest dates in the Irish grant-making calendar, the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal is a highly competitive funding opportunity - but with a well-prepared application, you can increase your chances of success. At OKC, we’ve seen first-hand the incredible impact these grants have had on organisations we have worked with in recent years.

If your organisation is working to create a brighter future for children and their families, we strongly encourage you to consider applying. To support you in the process, we recently attended Community Foundation Ireland’s webinar on preparing a strong application. Here are our top tips from the webinar and our own experience of supporting applicants, to help you craft a compelling submission for the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal 2025.

1. Get Prepared

First off, check to see which grant round you are eligible to apply to. Children and family charities with an annual income of €20,000 to €500,000 may apply to the Community Grants Round. Children and family charities with an annual income of more than €500,000 may apply to the Impact Grants Round. The Toy Show Appeal will also award a small number of Transformative Grants. The Transformative Grants are an opportunity for applicants to significantly upscale their proposal, and to build capacity within their organisation.

2. Know What Funders Are Looking For

Assessors are looking for applications that:

Align seamlessly with the funding criteria.
Clearly articulate the project's need and purpose.
Present a well-structured and accurate budget.
Show direct and indirect impact with measurable, well-supported details.

By keeping these key factors in mind, you can create an application that stands out and maximises your chances of success.

3. Common Reasons for Rejection

Whilst there may be a range of reasons why a proposal isn’t accepted, some of the common reasons are:

The project doesn’t align with the funding criteria.
There is insufficient detail to fully understand the project and its importance.
There is a poor budget plan with gaps and no clear strategy to address them.

Proactively ensuring that your application avoids these pitfalls will strengthen your submission and significantly improve your chances of success.

4. Choose the Right Strand

Applicants must choose one of the three available strands, which can be tricky when there’s overlap. To help decide, ask yourself:

Does the project align with the strand’s goal?
Does it focus on the most marginalised children and young people?
Which funding aim or objective does it best meet?

5. Know What Makes a Strong Application

To craft a strong application, make sure to:

Ensure your project aligns with the eligibility criteria and read the FAQs.
Read each question carefully and answer every part thoroughly.
Clearly demonstrate the importance of your work, emphasising the genuine need your project addresses.
Define your project's impact on both direct beneficiaries and the wider community.
Provide strong justification, supported by research or feedback.
Focus on prevention and early intervention where possible.
Highlight the potential for long-term sustainability beyond this grant.
Include feedback from beneficiaries and show how their input shapes the project.
Demonstrate collaboration with other charities or relevant partners.

For the Impact Round, also ensure you address:

Innovation.
The impact on your organisation and potential for systemic change.
A robust evaluation plan that is integrated into both the project and budget.

Taking these steps will help ensure your application stands out and meets all the key expectations.

6. Final Tips for a Smooth Application Process

Get to know the CFI Grants Portal, and submit organisation details early.
Ensure all parts of each question are answered.
Clearly show why the project is valuable and why your organisation is best placed to deliver it.
Provide a detailed and well-structured budget.
Save progress regularly and submit well before the deadline.

Several OKC clients have benefited from RTÉ Toy Show Appeal funding over the years, deepening their impact and making a real difference in children's lives. Spraoi & Sport is currently using a Transformative Grant to develop a purpose-built Child and Family Hub in Carndonagh. ChildVision enhanced its Equine Assisted Therapy programme, supporting children with sight loss and complex needs. Baboró International Arts Festival for Children undertook research, development and roll-out of a creative sensory workshop model for children with additional needs in schools across Ireland, accompanied by skills sharing with teachers. And Children’s Books Ireland expanded its Every Child A Reader programme, ensuring more children in DEIS schools received the gift of a book. These are just a few examples of the meaningful work being done thanks to this transformative funding.

Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland, Denise Charlton, said that:

“The incredible story of the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal since it was first launched in 2020 is made possible by the huge generosity of viewers. The funds raised have allowed young lives and vulnerable families to be transformed in every county. It is time again to turn this generosity into meaningful action. If you are an organisation working with children and families, then take time out to apply for this grant round and potentially continue your impactful work. As a philanthropic hub, we will continue to grow and promote the power of philanthropy to achieve our mission of Equality for all in Thriving Communities.”

By following the above tips, you’ll not only ensure that your application meets all the key criteria, but you’ll also increase your chances of standing out in this highly competitive grant round. Taking the time to carefully prepare and submit a thorough, well-structured application will go a long way in demonstrating your organisation’s commitment and capability. Best of luck from the OKC team!

Applications for the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal opened on Mon 17 Feb 2025, with a deadline to apply of Fri 14 Mar 2025, 4pm. For more information, visit Community Foundation Ireland’s website.

Sarah Jordan