2021 Charity Impact Awards Now Open for Entries 

Ireland’s national association of charities, The Wheel, is calling for charities, community groups and social enterprises to enter the 2021 Charity Impact Awards.  

Now in its fifth year, the Charity Impact Awards highlights the best, most innovative and effective charity work from the past year, and celebrates those who make a difference in our communities. 

Community and voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises of all sizes and types are invited to enter the awards before at www.charityimpactawards.ie. Entries close on 1 October at 5pm. 

Commenting today on the launch of the awards, Deirdre Garvey, CEO of The Wheel said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how much we rely on the services that charities, community and voluntary organisations and social enterprises provide in every community. These organisations are a vital part of our social infrastructure, significant players in Ireland’s economy, and they will play an essential role in delivering the vision of an inclusive recovery for Ireland.” 

A survey of 288 charities published by The Wheel, shows that the pandemic is having a very uneven impact across the community, voluntary and charity sector. Over half of organisations said their organisation’s income fell last year, with charities relying on public fundraising most severely affected. Of the nearly two-thirds of organisations in receipt of State funding, only 7% reported a reduction in funding in 2020. More than a third (38%) increased their service provision in 2020, while 32% had to cut services and 30% maintained the same level of services. 

For more information and to enter visit www.charityimpactawards.ie