Philanthropy Supporting Children

The Children’s Project, Inchicore, Dublin

The Children’s Project in Inchicore supports and nurtures local children and their families. The preschool and afterschool service was established more than 15-years ago in response to a need identified by its parent organisation, Frontline Make Change, which recognised the importance of providing childcare for clients attending addiction support meetings.

The Children’s Project works with hundreds of children, helping to prepare them for starting school and supporting them throughout their primary school years. Many of the children who attend the service come from disadvantaged backgrounds, where opportunities to experience new places and activities beyond their local community can be limited.

To help broaden horizons and create positive childhood experiences, the Children’s Project team works hard to provide opportunities that many children might not otherwise have.

One of the highlights of the year is a week-long respite trip to Carlingford Adventure Centre, made possible through funding from Community Foundation Ireland.

The trip offers children a safe, supportive environment away from the challenges and stressors they may experience at home. Through a range of team-building and confidence-building activities, children develop new skills, strengthen friendships and grow in self-belief. Staff witness first-hand the transformation in children’s confidence as they try new activities, order food independently in restaurants and explore parts of Ireland that are very different from the communities where they live.

The benefits extend beyond the children themselves. For parents and caregivers, the trip provides a valuable period of respite and an opportunity to focus on their own wellbeing. Time away from the immediate pressures of parenting can help reduce stress, restore stability and support individuals on their recovery journey.

The experience creates lasting memories for both children and staff, fostering a sense of possibility, belonging and positive childhood development. The learning, confidence and memories gained through this philanthropy are truly a gift. The impact of the respite trip reaches far beyond the individual children, benefiting families, caregivers and the wider community.

Thank You to Judith Ritchie of Frontline Make Change for sharing this story of impact. If your group or organisation would like to tell us your story then contact newsletter@foundation.ie