The aim of the Reach fund is to provide funding to support educationally disadvantaged learners in accessing and participating in community education initiatives.

As defined in the “Community Education Framework – Transforming Learning” Community Education is both formal and non-formal learning led by communities for communities to support personal, social, educational, environmental, economic and community development. The funding aims to widen and increase participation of educationally disadvantaged learners particularly those on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) levels 1 to 3.

The purpose of the Reach fund is to assist GRETB to widen participation by disadvantaged learners and build skills, while offering educational opportunities through simplified pathways and moving forward in Further Education and beyond. The fund places a strong focus on community education to support and engage disadvantaged learners access and participate in adult learning in local communities across Ireland.

Applications under €2,500 will not be considered for funding.

Approved funding allocation for any activity under the REACH Fund must:

a.  Be used for specific purpose for which it was approved.

b.  Be expended by 30^th November 2026 . *Please note any equipment/software purchased must be in the possession of the Grantee before 31^st December 2026 in order to drawdown the grant. 

c. Reach funding may be used for staff costs which are for a specific purpose or fixed term and relates directly to the Reach project. Commitments/contracts cannot extend beyond the end of 2026.

d. Only expenditure incurred after the notification of a successful grant application can be considered. Retrospective funding is not possible under this fund.

e. Successful Grant applications are paid on a vouched expenditure basis*

f. Be community based and not linked to other ETB funding streams.

g. Not to be used for programme validation.

Reach funding aims to support educationally disadvantaged learners in accessing and participating in community education.

To support the aim of Reach, applications should be based on the categories below:

1. Projects focused on learning that offers accredited and non-accredited programmes at NFQ level 1 to 3.

2. Projects that will support learners to engage/participate in community based educational programmes, mentoring projects, transport costs for learners, urgent educational response.

3. Projects that address topics such as climate justice education, education for sustainable development and building climate literacy.

4. Projects engaged in education outreach and pre-development work to support the most marginalised and disadvantaged groups

 Each individual beneficiary of REACH funding must complete a registration form provided by GRETB. This information will be stored on the PLSS system, the ETB learner record system.

·     Application forms can be submitted online via https://gretb.submit.com.

·     GRETB will assess the applications and make recommendations to SOLAS/ Coordination Committee in order of priority. SOLAS/ Coordination Committee will then allocate funding following their assessment procedure.

·     To ensure a fair disbursement of funding the prioritisation will be used by SOLAS/ Coordination Committee  where funding requests exceed the funds available.

Given the short timeframe it is imperative that quotes are sought in advance of submitting the application in order to ensure that a full spend can happen if your application is successful. The following procurement requirements will apply:

·     under €5000 – one written quote,

·     €5,001 – €15,000 – three written quotes

·     €15,001 – €25,000 – five written quotes.

For more information and to submit your application, please visit https://gretb.submit.com/show/37