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Ireland’s charity sector is full of organisations making a real difference in communities every day - and now the public has the chance to help recognise their impact.
Voting is open for the 2026 Charities Institute Ireland People’s Choice Award, giving the public the opportunity to support their favourite shortlisted charity finalist and help decide who takes home this year’s award.
The People’s Choice Award forms part of the Charities Institute Ireland Charity Excellence Awards, which celebrate the dedication, leadership and impact of individuals, teams and organisations across Ireland’s charity sector. While the winners of the other award categories are selected by an independent judging panel, the People’s Choice Award puts the decision in the hands of the public.
The award is sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance, a specialist insurer serving the faith, charity, heritage and education sectors. Ecclesiastical is part of the Benefact Group, a charity-owned international family of financial services companies that exists to give its available profits to good causes.
Voting closes at 11.59pm on 29 October 2026, with the finalist receiving the most valid votes announced as the 2026 People’s Choice Award winner at the Charity Excellence Awards Gala Dinner on 5 November.
David Lane, Managing Director of Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland, said: “Ireland’s charities make an extraordinary contribution to communities every day, and the People’s Choice Award gives the public a chance to recognise that work directly. We are proud to sponsor the award and to help shine a light on the organisations, people and causes making a meaningful difference across the country. I would encourage everyone to take a few minutes to learn more about this year’s finalists and cast their vote.”
Scott Kelley, CEO of Charities Institute Ireland, said: “The Charity Excellence Awards recognise the commitment and care behind the work of Ireland’s charities. We are grateful to Ecclesiastical for supporting the People’s Choice Award, which gives everyone a voice in that recognition. Please take a moment to vote for your favourite finalist and celebrate the difference they make.”
To view this year’s finalists and cast your vote, visit:
https://charitiesinstitute.ie/pages/charity-excellence-awards
About Ecclesiastical & Benefact Group
• Owned by a registered charity, Benefact Trust, Ecclesiastical, part of the Benefact Group, is a unique financial services organisation. With its main operations and headquarters in the UK, Ecclesiastical also operates in Australia, Canada and Ireland.
• Ecclesiastical is a specialist insurer of the faith, heritage, fine art, charities, education and private client sectors.
• Benefact Group is an independent, specialist financial services group that exists to give all its available profits to charity.