To support the communities in which we work we’re delighted to launch our latest community initiative - The AXA Local Community Awards.
Across our 24 branches in Ireland, we often see the amazing work carried out by local groups to build skills and create a better future for the communities in which they live.
This year we want to recognise and support this incredible work.
Backing community groups, shaping a better future.
Through the AXA Community Awards, we aim to empower community groups that are actively working to deliver positive change.
Each of our 24 branches will award €2,500 to a local group that can demonstrate how their work is contributing to a safer and more resilient future for their local community.
In addition, two national awards of €10,000 will be made to what we believe to be outstanding projects.
Nominate your community group for an award
If you are working with a community group or charity, we would love to hear from you.
We are looking to support organisations and projects that;
- Help build skills in their local community and / or
- Promote social inclusion for a better and more hopeful future
Eligible projects include (but are not limited to): Skill-building classes for local community members e.g. cookery classes, financial education, health- or mental health-related classes, craft classes.
Projects that promote social inclusion for groups that might otherwise be excluded from participating in society (for example, older persons, people from disadvantaged backgrounds, people with disabilities or illnesses). Applicants may include (but are not limited to) Family Resource Centres, Men’s Sheds, community gardens, and other community-based organisations.
The following organisations are not eligible to apply:
- Organisations with an annual income of €500,000 or more
- Statutory bodies
- Sports bodies
- Private companies or profit-making enterprises
- Organisations established solely for the prevention or relief of suffering of animals
- Individual people who are not part of a constituted organisation
The following types of proposals are not eligible to apply:
- Ongoing programme delivery or core organisation costs such as rent, insurance etc.
- Green spaces that are closed off to the community
- Large scale construction, or land/building acquisition
- Work on land or buildings where the applicant does not meet requirements around land ownership and permissions
- Activities that promote religion or a political party
- Projects that will take place before the grants are awarded
- Projects taking place outside of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland
For more information on eligible projects and organisations, please read our FAQs.
Simply complete the attached nomination form to be considered for an Award. Click here.
And please remember we’re here to help. If you would like to know more or need some help with your nomination form, just drop into one of our local branches.
Terms and conditions apply.
What happens next?
You can nominate your eligible community group or charity up until 4pm 20th September 2024.
Each branch will choose a recipient for the AXA Community Awards based on the strongest application, proximity to the local AXA branch, the clarity with which the applicant can tell its story, and how it aligns with the Award objectives.
If your nomination is successful, your details will be passed to the Community Foundation Ireland who are supporting AXA in making these awards. The Community Foundation Ireland will then be in touch with you directly via the email provided in your nomination form. You will be required to submit additional information via Community Foundation Ireland’s online grants management system in order to verify your eligibility to receive an award, The required documentation includes:
- Constitution or Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Bank or credit union statement header
- Most recent signed accounts
- Certificate of Incorporation where relevant
- A list of Board/Committee members, with dates of appointment
- Proof of ID for two Board/Committee members
- Confirmation that you have a Child Safeguarding Policy or Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding Policy where relevant
- Tax Clearance certificate where relevant
Your application can only be considered for funding if you submit the correct governance documents.
All Awards will be made in November 2024.
For full terms and conditions please click here.