The National Lottery are delighted to officially launch this year’s National Lottery Good Causes Awards, which honours the inspiring work and achievements of projects, clubs and individuals all over Ireland, who, with the help of National Lottery Good Causes funding, have had an extraordinary impact on their local communities.
The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, 12th of October in Killashee House Hotel in Naas, Co. Kildare.
National Lottery CEO Andrew Algeo was the first to take to the podium to welcome the Good Causes Awards into its sixth year: "This is the sixth year of the National Lottery Good Causes Awards, and again, we are reminded of the extraordinary positive impact that the people who drive Ireland’s Good Causes have in shaping a brighter and more inclusive future for all. Everyone who is associated with the National Lottery can feel proud that the funding from ticket sales supports the success stories that are the Good Causes. Since 1987, over €6 billion has been raised by National Lottery players for Good Causes and €4 million is raised each week. We look forward to working closely with Good Causes and Minister Donohoe’s department over the next couple of months to ensure Good Causes funding is as transparent as it can be”.
Minister Paschal Donohoe, a strong advocate of the Awards, commended the work being carried out by Good Causes in communities all over the country: "I am delighted to be here at the launch of this year's Good Causes Awards and to celebrate the incredible impact that National Lottery funding has on communities across our nation. It has been wonderful to meet with and hear first-hand how National Lottery funding supports organisations such as Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services and the Homeless Street Leagues, who through the power of Sport are doing life-changing work for those who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness. This year, my department is focused on progressing with initiatives that will strengthen and acknowledge the positive impact of National Lottery contributions in communities nationwide."
Sinead Smith, CEO of Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services spoke about winning the overall Good Cause of the Year award 2023 and how they utilised their €35,000 prize last year.
"Thanks to the award funding, we're making a meaningful impact in the lives of women affected by domestic violence. Investing in professional counseling with €24,000 ensures 400 hours of essential support, empowering 65 women on their path to recovery. Additionally, allocating €11,000 towards staff support, wellbeing, and training underscores our commitment to maintaining high-quality services and adapting to evolving challenges, reinforcing our dedication to women and children's rights."
Individuals, community projects and organisations who received Good Causes funding between the years 2019 and 2023 are eligible to apply. Applications for the Awards are now open and beneficiaries can enter and check eligibility at www.lottery.ie/goodcausesawards.
The Awards will have seven categories which are:
- Sport. Winning through inclusion.
- Health and Wellbeing. Promoting healthier & happier communities.
- Arts & Culture. Celebrating Irish creativity.
- Heritage. Protect, preserve and promote.
- Community. Enriching the fabric of Irish life.
- Youth. Nurturing Ireland’s Next Generation.
- Irish Language. Cothú grá na cainte
A special category, ‘Hero of the Year’, will also be announced at the Awards final, in recognition of outstanding work done by an individual within an organisation and will receive a prize of €5,000.
Each category winner will receive €10,000 while the overall Good Cause of the Year will receive an additional €25,000.
Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on all National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes in the areas of sport, youth, health, welfare, education, arts, heritage, and the Irish Language. In total more than €6 Billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery was established 36 years ago. In 2022 alone, €259.5 million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.
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