Deadline Date: August 12, 2026
The Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown Social Enterprise Awards 2026 is a new initiative designed to recognise and support social enterprises that are creating positive social and environmental impact across Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown while helping them strengthen their activities and reach more communities.
The awards focus on supporting social enterprises that deliver social or environmental impact, promote equitable, inclusive, and sustainable communities, strengthen social enterprise development within Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, increase social impact, expand benefits to individuals and communities, provide financial assistance, mentoring and promotion, encourage innovative social enterprises, and align with national and local strategies for social enterprise development.
Funded by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCC) and delivered in partnership with DLR Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and Southside Partnership DLR, the awards programme marks its first year with a total fund of €25,000 available for innovative social enterprises. Both early-stage and established social enterprises are encouraged to apply.
The initiative celebrates the valuable role that social enterprises play in addressing community needs while contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable local economy. Successful applicants will receive financial assistance alongside mentoring and promotional support to help strengthen their organisations and increase their positive impact.
The awards also reflect the commitment of the Irish Government to promote social enterprise through the National Enterprise Strategy, while supporting the objectives outlined in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council’s Local Economic and Community Plan 2024–2028 and the DLR Social Enterprise Strategy developed in collaboration with Southside Partnership.
Eligible applicants include Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG) organisations registered with the Companies Registration Office, Designated Activity Companies (DAC) Limited by Guarantee, Social Enterprise Co-operatives, and Private Companies Limited by Shares (LTD) where all shares are owned by a registered Irish charity.
Applicants must operate as a social enterprise under the National Social Enterprise Policy, be located within the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown administrative area, maintain an independent governance structure, and reinvest surpluses fully or primarily towards achieving social objectives. Before awarded funds can be drawn down, successful applicants must provide a valid Tax Clearance Certificate, evidence of appropriate public liability and/or professional indemnity insurance, and hold a business bank account.
Applicants should also note that information submitted during the application process will be used by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, DLR Local Enterprise Office, Southside Partnership DLR, and the appointed judging panels for processing applications and administering the awards programme. Successful recipients agree that their organisation’s name and award details may be publicly announced.
For more information, visit DLRCC.
