| | NewsWheel Policy-related News & Updates for Irish Community and Voluntary Organisations, Charities, and Social Enterprises. |  Jun2024 | |
| NEWS & RECENT DEVELOPMENTS |
| We Invite Our Members to Take Part in Our General Election Manifesto Consultation |
 The next general election is 6 months away, with many predictions suggesting it may be sooner than that. So we want to be ready. We know that the community, voluntary, charity, and social enterprise sector has been at the coalface of the challenges that have faced Ireland over the previous 5 years, and will be critical to addressing whatever new challenges come our way. What We’re Doing The Wheel is currently working to produce a manifesto for the community, voluntary, charity, and social enterprise sector. This manifesto will set out: Our vision for a fair, just and inclusive IrelandHow the sector can achieve that vision. We will use this manifesto to engage with policymakers as they prepare, not just for a General Election, but for the years to come. Get Involved Based on previous engagements with members, we have developed a set of draft proposals for Government to support the vital work of the sector under a set of 10 Key Areas (see link below). We want to hear more from our members, to make sure that these draft proposals reflect your priorities, and the priorities of the sector as a whole. To gather your feedback, we have just launched a consultation on our website: www.wheel.ie/2024-election-manifesto-consultation Note: this consultation is for members of The Wheel only. This consultation will close on 5 September 2024. |
Summit 2024: The Highlights and Key Insights  | |
| Croke Park buzzed with activity on 29 May as over 500 delegates gathered for The Wheel’s sell-out Summit for charities, community groups and social enterprises. The theme of Summit 2024 was ‘Learning from the Past, Looking at the Future’, and this year, over 40 speakers took part in two lively plenaries and 12 member-led breakout sessions. To help you make sense of all the excellent contributions, we have compiled some of the key speeches from the plenaries and the top insights from each of the member-led sessions. Read our full Summit 2024 update here… | |
| Complete The Wheel’s Annual Members Survey Today |
| We need seven minutes of your time! By completing The Wheel’s Annual Members Survey, your feedback will be used to shape our supports and services to members in the critical months ahead. Gathering this information from you, our members, and for the sector is extremely important and useful so we really appreciate you taking the time to complete it. The survey should ideally be completed by the most senior person in your organisation, i.e. the CEO or manager, if paid, or chairperson of your board if you have no paid staff. We need just one response from each organisation. The deadline for completion is close of business Wednesday, 17 July. The survey takes approximately 7 minutes to complete. Start the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/K7Y7MTH If you have any questions, please contact . |
| 2024 Pay & Benefits Survey: Coming Soon |
| We are excited to announce the beginning of our work on the 2024 edition of the National Guide to Pay and Benefits in Community, Voluntary, and Charitable Organisations. Now in its sixth edition, this guide serves as a crucial reference for pay and benefits across our sector, offering essential and timely data to aid organisations in their remuneration processes and HR strategy planning. This summer, we will be circulating a survey to all members. We strongly encourage widespread participation, as the resulting information is immensely valuable across our sector. Keep an eye on this space for further updates… |
| ICCL Rochtain Initiative: Needs Assessment and Information Gathering Survey |
 Over the past few months, the Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL), in conjunction with St. Stephen’s Green Trust, have been offering online training on political advocacy and communications through the Rochatin programme, which many will have attended. The programme has so far provided three rounds of online training to over 150 organisations across the county. In addition, ICCL has delivered several 1-1 trainings on the political system and how groups can hone their messages to improve their impact on policy.ICCL is now moving into the next phase of the project. Over the next few months, ICCL wants to take this training on the road and work with smaller community and grassroots organisations to help them build their advocacy capacity and understanding of the political system. To this end, ICCL is conducting a short needs assessment survey for community and voluntary groups in order to assess the areas of interest for training, and where in the country this training should be offered. All interested parties are invited to complete this short survey: https://www.surveyhero.com/c/gbmfunuy |
| GreenBoost4WISEs: Funding Deadline 30 June |
 GreenBoost4WISEs has launched a call for selection of participants to study visits in Italy, Ireland, Austria and Belgium, besides coaching and mentoring activities, which will be centred on: Eco-friendly Organisations; Circular Economy; and new sector activities towards more greening and sustainability within WISEs. This call covers financial support to third parties to join the study visits, but also to receive coaching and mentoring. All activities will take place between September 2024 and November 2024. Details on eligibility, activities and selection criteria can be found directly here, or via the following link: https://www.ensie.org/projects/greenboost4wises |
| Good Governance Awards Open for Entries |
 Any nonprofit organisation in Ireland, whether a charity, company, sports club or community association, can enter its annual report and financial statements into the Good Governance Awards for free and it will receive individual feedback to help improve future annual reports. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in November. Nonprofits with an annual income of less than €100,000 will win 1 free place on a training course of their choice for entering the awards and will win 2 additional training places if they are shortlisted to win. Enter your annual report at The Good Governance Awards by 11 September. https://goodgovernanceawards.ie/submit-entry/ |
| Announcing Transformative Leadership 2024-2025 |
| It has now been confirmed that the Transformative Leadership Programme is running again for 2024-2025, in collaboration with Community Action Network! Please keep an eye out for our email announcing the opening of applications. This is an extremely popular programme, so make sure you get your application in on time! |
| Business Post Publish Special Nonprofit Report |
 The Wheel recently partnered with the Business Post to publish a special two-page report on Ireland’s nonprofit sector. The report appeared in the print and digital editions of the paper on Sunday 8 June. It included a report on our Summit and includes contributions from several key partners and suppliers. You can read the full report here. |
| Participate in Climate Actions Work Survey |
| In March of 2024, Minister Eamon Ryan and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications launched the ‘Climate Actions Work’ programme, a new, first of its kind national engagement and communications campaign to support and encourage action on climate and community resilience over the coming year. This campaign is designed to work with local communities and support them on their climate action journey. A key component of the programme is the mapping of climate actions currently ongoing across the country through an online survey. The Department would appreciate your cooperation in completing / sharing the survey with projects and grantees funded through Pobal. The survey, conducted by Ipsos B&A, aims to capture specific information about climate-related initiatives that your local authority has received funding for through the Community Climate Action Programme. The survey is also being circulated across the wider Local Authority sector through Directors of Services. Take the survey here. |
| New Report Covers Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital Literacy Needs of the Sector |
 The Wheel and NALA (National Adult Literacy Agency) are delighted to present the report “Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital Literacy Needs in the Community and Voluntary Sector (2024)”. This report presents the findings of a research study undertaken to survey volunteers and staff in the community and voluntary sector on the level and nature of unmet literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy needs in the sector. Find the report on our website here. The study was funded by the Adult Literacy for Life Office under the Collaboration and Innovation Fund. You can find out more about the funded projects here. |
| | European Funding & Policy Roundup European Elections Results The European elections 2024 have concluded, and citizens across the EU have cast their votes to select their representatives in the European Parliament. Ireland saw a high voter turnout, with over 60% of the electorate participating. As counting continues, you can check here to see who has been elected as an MEP from Ireland so far. The newly-elected Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will soon take a number of key decisions, including selecting the heads of EU institutions and continuing the Parliament’s work in passing legislation and overseeing the European Commission and other EU bodies. Curious about the results for individual EU countries or overall EU numbers? Explore the live seat projection for the new Parliament, which includes all national results, seats by political group and country, the breakdown by national parties and political groups, and voter turnout. A big thank you to all MEP candidates who signed our Future is Community EU Election pledge, committing to accountability, collaboration, courage, and inclusivity! What Do Cities Need? The European Commission, the Region Hauts-de-France and the European Urban Initiative (EUI) want to hear from you and need your help to understand the challenges and priorities facing European cities. Every voice is a vital block in building a stronger foundation for sustainable urban development in EU. Is your city facing unique challenges? Share your insights in the Forward Looking Survey until 12 July. | |
| TRAINING FROM THE WHEEL |
| Cultural Challenges in Post-Pandemic Hybrid Working Organisations 6 Sep 2024 | Navigating Change – Anticipating Consequences in the Evolution of Hybrid Working in 2024 25 Oct 2024 |
| Charting the Course – Exploring the Future Path of Hybrid Working as We Approach 2025 6 Dec 2024 | |
| Browse Our 2024 Training Calendar: www.wheel.ie/training |
| JOBS |
| Positions Closing Soon Project Lead (Ignite Community Project) Deadline: 28 Jun 2024. Full details. Coalition 2030 Coordinator (Carlow County Development Partnership) Deadline: 28 Jun 2024. Full details. LEADER Co-ordinator (Ignite Community Project) Deadline: 28 Jun 2024. Full details. Drugs & Alcohol Youth Worker (South Dublin County Partnership) Deadline: 28 Jun 2024. Full details. Branch Outreach and Engagement Officer (Irish Red Cross) Deadline: 28 Jun 2024. Full details. Night Nursing Manager (The Irish Cancer Society) Deadline: 28 Jun 2024. Full details. Visit www.wheel.ie/jobs now for more employment opportunities. |
| FUNDING |
| International Charity Bazaar Grants The International Charity Bazaar (ICB) is a voluntary fundraising organisation of the Diplomatic Corps in Dublin. With the support of 50 or more Embassies and friends in the local community, the ICB raises funds for registered charities in Ireland through two annual events: the Diplomatic Ball and Annual Bazaar. Funding Criteria for 2024: Only Irish registered charities may applyMaximum funding of 6,000 Euros per projectNo funding for salaries or bursariesProjects should be Ireland-basedSelected charities will be notified by 31 August 2024Funds will be distributed in December 2024. Deadline: 5 Jul 2024. Full details here. ______________________ Rethink Ireland – Sports and Wellness Fund 2024 The Sports and Wellness Fund aims to support social innovations that use sports and physical activity programmes to have a demonstrable impact on improving mental health outcomes and social inclusion for people and communities in Ireland. This two-year Fund will offer a package of cash grants and non-financial supports to up to 5 awardees to help them scale and maximise their impact in promotion healthier lives, increased levels of mental health and wellbeing and improved social cohesion. Key Objectives: Positive Mental Wellbeing: The primary goal of the fund is to support sports programmes that have a demonstrable impact on improving mental health outcomes. This includes reducing stress, anxiety, and depression while promotion overall psychological resilience.Enhancing Social Inclusion: The fund would facilitate the development and implementation of sports programmes that actively promote social inclusion. This involves reaching marginalised populations, promoting diversity, and ensuring accessibility for individuals with varying abilities. Deadline: 12 Jul 2024. Full details here. ______________________ Community Engaged Scholars Programme (CES-P) Are you interested in community-based participatory research? PPI Ignite Network @ University of Galway are delighted to announce the launch of the Community Engaged Scholars Programme (CES-P) Call 2024. The purpose of CES-P is to support community-academic partnerships in conducting research, underpinned by principles of Public and Patient Involvement in Research (PPI), to improve lives in our communities. Who can apply? The call is open to University of Galway staff and community partners (an individual/patient/member of the public who maintains a primary affiliation with a community organisation). Why apply? CES-P provides seed funding (up to €5000) and bespoke training for Community & Academic Partnerships, either new or established, interested in embedding PPI in a collaborative research study. Through the training and funds provided, participants can design and complete a Community-Based Participatory Research pilot study, preparing and supporting these partnerships to submit to larger funding calls with their pilot data. Deadline: 12 Jul 2024. Full details here. ______________________ Circular Economy Innovation Grant Scheme 2024 The Circular Economy Innovation Fund 2024, a collaboration between Community Foundation Ireland and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, is now open for applications. This grant scheme aims to support innovation and circular economy projects by social enterprises, voluntary and community organisations and businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Deadline: 19 Jul 2024. Full details here. Find additional funding opportunities on Fundingpoint – full info. |
| BECOME A MEMBER OF THE WHEEL |
| This month we welcome the following new members: |
| Achill Film FestivalASSISTIV IRELANDBealach Dublin City Psychoanalytic ConsultationBeyond SurvivalBIA Innovator CampusChronic Health Advocate CLG Drumraney Community Centre | EireCyclGet In The PictureRow To Recovery GalwayShannon Town Community PartnershipSt Ita’s AFCTearmann Éanna Current total members: 2,426 |
| | Additional Resources Read the latest issue of the Fundingpoint Newsletter (Free Edition). Read the latest issue of the Employer Resources Newsletter (HR and employment legislation news and advice for Irish nonprofit employers). Catch up with the latest archived webinars on Wheel.ie (members-only). | |
