Nominations Open: Community and Voluntary Awards Scheme (Ireland)

The Laois Community & Voluntary Awards 2026 invite nominations to recognize outstanding volunteers, community organizations, clubs, and voluntary groups making a positive impact across County Laois, Ireland. Organized by Laois County Council, Laois Public Participation Network (PPN), and People First Credit Union, the awards celebrate achievements in community development, inclusion, environmental sustainability, arts, sports, and volunteerism.

About the Laois Community & Voluntary Awards 2026

The Laois Community & Voluntary Awards 2026 recognize the dedication and achievements of volunteers, community organizations, and voluntary groups that strengthen local communities throughout County Laois.

The awards celebrate individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving the lives of local residents through volunteering, community leadership, environmental action, cultural activities, health initiatives, and social inclusion.

The initiative is jointly organized by:

• Laois County Council
• Laois Public Participation Network (PPN)
• People First Credit Union

Award Focus Areas

The awards recognize contributions across a wide range of community sectors, including:

• Community development
• Volunteer recognition
• Social inclusion
• Health and wellbeing
• Environmental protection
• Climate action
• Arts and culture
• Heritage preservation
• Sports and physical activity
• Community leadership
• Residential community improvement
• Youth volunteering
• Civic participation
• Local community engagement

What are the Laois Community & Voluntary Awards?

The awards are an annual recognition programme that honours the valuable work of volunteers, local clubs, nonprofit organizations, and community groups across County Laois.

The programme showcases projects and individuals that have made meaningful contributions by:

• Supporting local residents.
• Organizing community initiatives.
• Improving neighbourhood facilities.
• Promoting social inclusion.
• Strengthening community spirit.
• Encouraging volunteerism.
• Creating healthier and more sustainable communities.

Why These Awards Matter

Volunteers and community organizations play a vital role in building stronger, safer, and more connected communities.

The awards help to:

• Recognize outstanding volunteer contributions.
• Celebrate successful community projects.
• Encourage civic participation.
• Inspire future volunteers.
• Promote collaboration among local organizations.
• Highlight innovative community initiatives.
• Increase public appreciation of voluntary work.

Award Categories

Nominations are welcomed across a variety of categories, including:

• Community development
• Health and wellbeing
• Environmental sustainability
• Climate action
• Arts, culture, and heritage
• Sports and physical activity
• Outstanding residential estates
• Junior Volunteer of the Year
• Unsung Hero
• Other community and voluntary achievements

These categories reflect the diversity of voluntary work taking place across County Laois.

Who Can Be Nominated?

Eligible nominees may include:

• Community organizations
• Voluntary groups
• Local clubs
• Community projects
• Individual volunteers
• Youth volunteers
• Residents’ associations
• Local initiatives making a positive community impact

Nominees should have demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving communities within County Laois.

Who Can Submit a Nomination?

Nominations are encouraged from:

• Community groups
• Clubs
• Voluntary organizations
• Residents’ associations
• Local organizations
• Individual community members

The programme encourages broad participation to ensure deserving volunteers and projects receive recognition.

How to Submit a Nomination

Interested nominators should:

1. Review the award categories.
2. Select the most appropriate category for the nominee.
3. Prepare information describing the nominee’s achievements and community impact.
4. Complete the official nomination form.
5. Submit the nomination before the published deadline.

Selection Process

Submitted nominations will be reviewed according to:

• Community impact
• Volunteer commitment
• Innovation and leadership
• Contribution to local communities
• Long-term benefits
• Positive social outcomes
• Alignment with the award category

Successful nominees will be invited to attend the awards ceremony.

Awards Ceremony

The programme concludes with the:

Laois Community & Voluntary Awards Gala Ceremony

Date: 13 November 2026

Venue: The Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise

The gala event brings together volunteers, community organizations, local leaders, and residents to celebrate outstanding achievements across County Laois.

Tips for a Strong Nomination

To improve a nomination:

• Clearly explain the nominee’s achievements.
• Highlight measurable community impact.
• Include examples of volunteer leadership.
• Describe how the nominee has improved local communities.
• Demonstrate long-term commitment.
• Provide evidence of collaboration and community engagement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common issues:

• Providing vague descriptions of achievements.
• Failing to explain community impact.
• Submitting incomplete nomination forms.
• Choosing the wrong award category.
• Omitting examples that demonstrate volunteer contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the Laois Community & Voluntary Awards?

They are annual awards recognizing volunteers, community organizations, clubs, and voluntary groups that have made outstanding contributions across County Laois.

Who organizes the awards?

The awards are organized by Laois County Council, Laois Public Participation Network (PPN), and People First Credit Union.

Who can be nominated?

Community organizations, voluntary groups, clubs, projects, youth volunteers, and individual volunteers making a positive impact in County Laois may be nominated.

What types of achievements are recognized?

The awards recognize contributions in community development, health, inclusion, environmental protection, climate action, arts, culture, sports, residential communities, and volunteer service.

When is the awards ceremony?

The Laois Community & Voluntary Awards Gala Ceremony will take place on 13 November 2026 at The Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise.

Can individuals submit nominations?

Yes. Community members, organizations, clubs, and groups are encouraged to submit nominations for deserving individuals or projects.

Why are these awards important?

The awards recognize the invaluable contribution of volunteers and community organizations, encourage civic engagement, and celebrate initiatives that improve the quality of life across County Laois.

Conclusion

The Laois Community & Voluntary Awards 2026 provide an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable dedication of volunteers, community organizations, and local initiatives that make County Laois a stronger and more connected place. By recognizing excellence in community service, environmental stewardship, culture, health, sports, and volunteerism, the awards encourage continued civic participation and acknowledge the individuals and organizations whose efforts create lasting positive change for local communities.