Minister Canney welcomes launch of new €750,000 fund to support disability organisations and strengthen participation
Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the launch of the new €750,000 Power to Participate Fund, saying it will help ensure disabled people and the organisations that represent them have a stronger voice in shaping Government policy and services.
The new fund will provide direct support to Disabled Persons’ Organisations and eligible civil society organisations to help strengthen advocacy, participation and engagement with Government.
The funding is being delivered across three separate strands aimed at supporting organisations at different stages of development and growth.
The first strand, Supporting Advocacy, will help organisations with practical supports such as assistive technology, support personnel, governance structures and charity registration.
The second strand, Disabled Persons’ Organisations Capacity Strengthening, includes the largest allocation of funding and will support organisations with core running costs, research, advocacy and staffing supports to help strengthen long-term capacity.
The third strand, Outreach for Capacity Building, will support organisations working together on outreach, consultation and community engagement projects aimed at expanding participation and representation.
Minister Canney said meaningful participation from disabled people must remain at the centre of policy development.
“Disabled people know better than anyone the challenges they face in everyday life and it is essential their voices are heard clearly when policies and services are being designed.
“This funding will help organisations build capacity, strengthen advocacy and ensure disabled people can participate fully in shaping decisions that affect their lives.
“There are many organisations across communities doing important work every day to support people and advocate for change. This fund will help give them additional tools and resources to continue that work.”
The fund is now open for applications and will close on Friday, 26 June 2026.
Further information on the scheme and application process is available on: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/power-to-participate-strengthening-stakeholder-engagement-fund-2026/