The Department of Children Equality Diversity Inclusion and Youth has published details of the NEW FUNDING MODEL and CORE FUNDING on the First5 funding model website. 
Click here to access the website: https://first5fundingmodel.gov.ie/core-funding/
The new funding model and Core Funding The new funding model will support delivery of ELC and SAC for the public good, for quality and affordability for children, parents and families. To achieve this, there is a need for greater State investment and greater public management of provision. Core Funding is the new funding stream to start this partnership for the public good between the State and providers. Core Funding is funding directly to providers (supply-side funding) and is designed improve affordability, quality, inclusion and sustainability. Core Funding will operate alongside the NCS and ECCE and constitute additional income for providers on top of funding for these schemes, as well as income from parental fees. Greater public management of the sector will include conditions in relation to fees, quality improvements in services and transparency in relation to operations. This new approach to funding will entail a shift in the relationship between the State and providers in relation to delivering ELC and SAC, with new responsibilities on both sides. Core Funding is open to all registered providers subject to their agreement to the terms and conditions of the funding. It is the ambition of the Department that the maximum number providers choose to participate in this partnership with the State to deliver ELC and SAC for the public good and come into contract for Core Funding. Core Funding however is optional for providers.
Core Funding Application and Timeline
What is the timeline for Core Funding applications?
The application process will consist of three stages:
Stage 1 of the application process opens in April with the Sector Profile and Income & Costs Survey, which is a pre-requisite for application for Core Funding.
Stage 2 of the application process opens in June:
– Providers define their service’s profile and their capacity in detail in an online form
– Core Funding value is communicated to providers (subject to final verifications and confirmations)
– The provider contract will be published so applicants can review what they will later be asked to sign
Stage 3 of the application process opens in August:
– Individual contracts will be made available to successful applicants for signature
– At the end of August payments to providers commence. Payments will be made monthly in advance throughout the programme year.
