‘Time to think anew to break cycle of disadvantage’
Statement by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone
The €2m Innovation Fund launched by The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone on Wednesday the 4th April 2018 seeking ‘ground-breaking and new proposals’ to support disadvantaged young people has generated significant interest and extremely good responses.
Communities and groups which have yet to apply have seven days to do so. The deadline for submissions is 12 midnight on Monday, 30th April 2018.
This fund is open to community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations delivering innovation in prevention and early intervention services for children and young people.
Examples of proposals being sought include the development or scaling up of innovative approaches, practices and resources that support the best outcomes for children and young people.
In launching the QCBI Innovation Fund earlier this month, Minister Zappone stated:
“Young people can be trapped in disadvantaged based on their background, location and family circumstance. For many it is an unbreakable cycle – often spanning generations.
Many frontline agencies provide valuable support and opportunities to re-start or re-focus young lives. However, there is also a need to think anew, to seek new approaches and to be ground-breaking.
The Quality and Capacity Building Initiative provides that opportunity. It will provide the financial support to those working with our children, young people and families so they can afford to take a step back. Look at the work they are doing – and see if there is a new way.
This is an exciting moment. I urge all involved to seize this opportunity and to use this fund effectively.”
Following the application, assessment and selection process successful applicants will be awarded funding from the period of June 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. All awards are based on funding availability.
Further details on the application process are available on the DCYA and Tusla websites.