It’s been a topsy-turvy year for sure. Right before the COVID-19 lockdown, The National Lottery were ready to launch the National Lottery Good Causes Awards. The competition honours the inspiring work and achievements of thousands 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.

But 2020, being what it is, the campaign actually launched today and applications are now open. Chair of the Judging Panel for 2020,  Nuala Carey spoke today and invited applications for this years awards “We have thousands of unsung heroes in Ireland, who work quietly under the radar to make positive change in their communities. These Awards reflect their dedication and commitment. I’ve been lucky enough to witness this having being on the judging panel for the national finals of the Good Causes Awards for the past two years so this year I am thrilled to be chairing the panel of judges.”

She continued “Through the National Lottery Good Causes Awards we want to show how ordinary, everyday people, organisations, projects and sports clubs are doing extraordinary things in their communities. This is work that often goes unrecognised and we are encouraging Good Cause beneficiaries to enter these awards to give them the opportunity to have their hard work honoured.”

The finale will be presented by broadcaster and journalist, Grainne Seoige at an awards ceremony on Saturday 20^th February 2021 in the Mansion House, Dublin. Grainne will host the awards for the second consecutive year, said: “Presenting last year’s awards was a truly humbling experience. The one thing that really shone through for every finalist was a strong sense of community, whether it was amongst their local towns, fellow colleagues in their community project and even users of the vital services each beneficiary provided. Community is something that is always strong throughout Ireland so I am delighted to be presenting these awards again.”

Jennifer Crowe, CSR and Good Causes Relationship Manager of the National Lottery said: “Without question, 2020 has been a really challenging year for the thousands of voluntary community organisations, sports clubs, NGOs and charities who rely so heavily on fundraising. The Good Causes Awards have always aimed to shine a light on beneficiaries of National Lottery funding and this year is no different.  In addition, National Lottery funding would not be possible if it were not for our players all over the country so I thank them for their continued support.”

Individuals, community projects and organisations who received Good Causes funding between the years 2014 to 2019 (inclusive) are eligible to apply. The seven categories are:

• Sport
• Health and Well Being
• Arts/Culture
• Heritage
• Community
• Youth Affairs.
• Special category: Irish Language

Each of the seven category winners receiving €10,000 and the overall Good Cause of the Year winning an additional €25,000. Applications for the Awards are now open and people can enter and check eligibility at www.lottery.ie/goodcausesawards.  

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 €5.6 Billion has been raised for Good Causes since the National Lottery was established 32 years ago. In 2019 alone, €250 million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.

Closing date for applications is Friday 9^th October … and as they say, if you’re not in, you can’t win!