[3] In 1981, the organisation changed its name to Foróige, derived from forbairt na hóige, which means "development of youth".

Kellogg Foundation in America secured a £30,000 grant to help fund an expansion of Macra na Tuaithe activities.

In 1971, Macra na Tuaithe began its expansion into urban areas with the opening of a permanent headquarters in Dublin, and developed the decision to build more Foróige clubs in urban areas.

The first national conference for the organisation's volunteers took place in Termonfeckin, County Louth and this still continues today.

In 1981, Marca na Tuaithe was renamed Foróige and the result of this change was to facilitate further expansion into growing urban areas.