RTÉ Toy Show Appeal Grants Awarded

18 Jun 2025

We’re pleased to share that 20 organisations across Northern Ireland are set to receive grants from this year’s RTÉ Toy Show Appeal.

Thanks to the generosity of The Late Late Toy Show viewers, The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland has been able to provide funding of over £327,000 to organisations across Northern Ireland that provide services across three different strands.

1. Addressing Essential Needs
2. Creativity & Play
3. Improving Wellbeing

Since its inception in 2020, The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal has raised over £26 million and helped benefit over 1 million children in every county in Ireland.

Speaking on the recent grant announcements, Orla Black Director of Grants and Fund Development said: –  

“These grants are about more than money, they’re about real, lasting impact for children and families across Ireland.”

“By drawing on what we’ve learned from communities, we’re able to support projects that are truly meaningful, and we’re delighted to work alongside Community Foundation Ireland and the RTÉ Toy Show again for another year.”

“With grants going to organisations like Cancer Fund for Children NI and Kinship Care Northern Ireland, we are so grateful to the Late Late Show viewers for giving so generously.”

Helping Hands Autism Group said: – 

“Thanks to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal and the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, our kids can shine even brighter. This funding means we can run fun, creative Friday night drop-in sessions with everything from clown doctors and music therapy to drama and art.

It’s a safe space where children with autism can express themselves, build confidence, and just be themselves. It’s also a real lift for parents and carers, knowing the children are happy, supported and included in something so special. Huge thanks to CFNI and RTÉ for believing in our work and the difference it makes.”

Cancer Fund for Children NI said: – 

“The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal is helping us be there for children and young people impacted by cancer when they need us most, with funding towards our ‘Resilient Futures’ project. 
With this support, we can offer individual and group therapeutic sessions at home, in hospital, or in the community, for those living with cancer, their siblings, or those who are grieving. 
It gives them a safe space where they can process their feelings and build connections with others, so they feel better able to cope with the impact cancer has on their lives. We’re truly grateful to the Community Foundation for NI and RTÉ for standing with these young people and their families.” 

Kinship Care Northern Ireland said: – 

“We are so thankful for the support from the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal. This funding means we can give a helping hand to more kinship carers and the children they look after right across Northern Ireland. These small grants will make a big difference helping with essentials, easing stress, and reminding them that they’re not alone. Thanks to the Community Foundation NI and RTÉ for making this possible.”

The organisations who have benefited from this round of funding are: – 

Tackling Awareness of Mental Health Issues
Helping Hands Autism Support Group
CHILD Training Academy
Action Deaf Youth
New Lodge Duncairn Community Health Partnership
Northern Ireland Newpin
GLOW
Diverse Youth NI
Young at Art Ltd
Lightyear Foundation
Fighting Words Northern Ireland
Sticky Fingers Arts
ADDNI Limited
Fresh Minds Education Ltd
Rainbow Child and Family Centre
The Cedar Foundation
In Your Space Circus Ltd
Kinship Care Northern Ireland
Young Enterprise Northern Ireland
Cancer Fund for Children NI

You can see a full breakdown of grants awarded across Ireland here.