What is the Reach Fund?
The aim of the Reach Fund (formerly MAEDF) is to provide funding to support educationally disadvantaged learners in accessing and participating in community education. The purpose of the fund is to address the decline in participation of disadvantaged learners and increase engagement with them, particularly those who have literacy, numeracy or digital skills needs. The fund has a strong focus on building the digital infrastructure of community education providers, community groups and agencies through the provision of devices and software, thereby increasing their capacity to support the delivery of programmes. This fund had been made available to address inequalities, support access to education or training and focus on specific actions in the Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Stratey.
This is a call for funding for project proposals under the headings below:
- Projects focused on widening and increasing participation in learning of Target Groups.
- Projects that will support leaners to engage in community-based education programmes.
- Projects that address topics such as climate justice education, education for sustainable development and building climate literacy.
- Projects engaged in education outreach and pre-development work to support the most marginalised and disadvantaged groups.
How to apply for the Reach Fund
Completed applications should be posted to:
Reach Fund Internal Review Group,
LOETB Information Hub,
Lyster Square,
Port Laoise,
Co. Laoise,
R32D268
Or alternatively, please email [email protected]
Applications must be received before 5.00 pm on the 11 March 2026.
Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
You must include:
- Fully completed and signed application form
- Required number of quotes in line with the LOETB Procurement Policy (www.loetb.ie/procurement) and completed evaluation document as outlined below
Value up to €5,000: One quote and written confirmation that value for money through open and fair competition was practiced.
Value between €5,001 and €15,000: Three quotes and Evaluation Sheet (Appendix 1)
Value over €15,000 proof of tender process to be provided.
Audited end of year accounts may be requested for applications over €5,000
What happens next?
All applications will be reviewed and considered by the LOETB Reach Fund Internal Review Group. All Reach Fund applications must meet the funding evaluation criteria in order to be successful.
If your application is successful
The Reach Fund operates on a receipted expenditure basis. If your application for the Reach Fund is successful you will be notified by email at which point you will be required to submit receipts or proof of purchase of the items as per your application. The complete list of required documentation will be specified in your approval letter. You will also be required to sign a Memorandum Of Understanding with LOETB.
Should there be any variance in the requested grant amount and the cost as per receipts provided, LOETB reserves the right to reimburse the lower amount. If the amount expended is higher, the maximum amount reimbursed by LOETB will be the amount approved.
Approved funding allocation for any project under the Reach Fund must:
(a) be used for the specific purpose intended.
(b) be expended by 2026 year-end.
(c) not be used for any pay costs or costs of a recurring nature.
(d) not be used for capital items. Note: The capital threshold for grants is based on the cost of any item exceeding €1,000 excluding VAT.
Once the Reach Fund is closed for 2026, a Project Completion Report will be requested (Appendix 2) and a member of the Reach Fund Internal Review Group will attend to monitor the project.
Organisations or community groups that benefit financially from the Reach Fund through LOETB will acknowledge that the project has been supported by LOETB in the form of a plaque supplied by LOETB for display and acknowledgement in printed/social media covering the project.
If your application is unsuccessful
If your application is unsuccessful you will be notified by email. You may appeal, within 10 days, to: Reach Fund Internal Review Group, LOETB Information Hub, Lyster Square, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. R32D268.
This will not exclude you from applying or have any bearing on an application for any other LOETB funding projects.