Norma Foley, the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, has officially opened applications for the 2026 What Works in Communities Fund, representing a €400,000 investment financed by the Dormant Accounts Fund. The funding is designed to advance prevention and early intervention programs aimed at helping children, families, and young people thrive within Irish communities.

The funding functions as a strategic resource for families and youth throughout the country. By utilising prevention and early intervention frameworks, the initiative aims to tackle difficulties before they worsen, ensuring that households gain access to appropriate assistance at the most effective time.

The official launch event united community groups, previous grant recipients, practitioners, and policymakers to review how these targeted programs are positively impacting areas nationwide. Key contributors at the launch included Maryrose Costello, Early Intervention and Family Support Manager at SPECS within the Bray & North Wicklow Area Partnership, and Bernie Laverty, National ABC Manager at Tusla. Both speakers provided specific examples of how timely support systems successfully transform outcomes for young people and their families.

Minister Foley stated: "The stories shared here today are a powerful reminder of the difference that prevention and early intervention can make in people's lives. Behind every project is a child, a young person or a family receiving support at a time when it can have the greatest impact.

"Through the What Works initiative, we are investing in communities, supporting organisations that are delivering vital services and helping to build a stronger understanding of what works for children and families. I am delighted to launch this new fund and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have in communities across Ireland."

Since its inception in 2019, the overarching What Works scheme has assisted more than 250 training initiatives, events, and individual projects across Ireland to bolster localised family support networks.

Under the newly launched fund, individual grants valued between €10,000 and €40,000 will be allocated to voluntary and community organisations tasked with executing early intervention and prevention services. With a primary focus on participation, equality, and inclusion, the financial backing aims to help these bodies evaluate their practices, gather evidence, and exchange sectoral learning.

The application window for the funding is currently open, with the submission deadline set for 5pm on Friday 31 July 2026.