Nominations open for Offaly County Council Community & Voluntary Group Awards 2026

THE Community & Culture Section is delighted to announce the launch of Offaly County Council Community & Voluntary Group Awards 2026

This purpose of the initiative is to acknowledge the commitment of groups and organisations who participate in Community & Voluntary activities in County Offaly and to recognise the significant impact their actions have on the quality of life of people in their communities.

Applications are now open and nominations can be submitted by individual members of the public and by voluntary community groups and organisations.

Complete online application on Community & Culture Voluntary & Group Awards 2026 section on the Offaly County Council website (offaly.ie).

The closing date for applications is September 6th, 2026 – late applications will not be accepted.

Nomination Categories are as follows

Community Involvement Award: This award recognises community groups & organisations who work tirelessly in their community through their commitment to voluntary and community activities and play a significant role in enhancing the quality of life in their communities and promote community involvement.

Culture & Heritage Award: This award recognises the efforts of community groups and organisations to promote and preserve the natural, built and cultural heritage of their local area.

Equality & Social Inclusion Award: This award recognises community groups & organisations that actively work in a supportive role and whose aim is to minimise social exclusion and/or help to improve the quality of life for socially excluded groups.

Children & Youth Supports Award: This award recognises voluntary efforts of groups & organisations that actively work to improve the life opportunities and achieve significant improvements/impact in the lives of children and young people especially among disadvantaged or excluded groups.

Environment & Climate Action Award: This award recognises communities & organisations that actively work to enhance the environment in a sustainable manner and carry out awareness initiatives or actions that make a positive contribution towards climate change.

Sports Award: This award recognises the efforts of community groups & organisations that provide a leading role in their communities to increase the number of people participating in sport or physical activity, particularly within groups with low participation rates, and reduce barriers to participation.

Arts & Culture Award: This award recognises the efforts of community groups & organisations that actively work to encourage and promote knowledge, experience and practice of arts and culture in the county.

Health & Well Being Award: This award recognises voluntary efforts to improve community health and wellbeing and acknowledges community groups and organisations who work to promote physical and/or mental health and wellbeing focusing on prevention and keeping people healthy.

Older People Supports Award: This award recognises community groups & organisations who voluntary work to support and improve the participation of older people in active and social life by providing opportunities to engage and stay socially connected, prevent social isolation and contribute to a fulfilling, healthier and enjoyable older age.

Finalists will be selected in each award category and invited to an Awards Ceremony and Dinner in November 2026 in Birr.

Winners will receive a bursary of €500 for use in their community work.

Details and particulars of the competition are available on Community & Voluntary Group Awards 2026 - Offaly County Council

For further assistance and queries, please contact the Community & Culture Section or email [email protected] .