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| 7 Oct 2026 | |
| Written by Mark Hughes | |
| Charity Sector News |
Voting is now open for the 2026 Charities Institute Ireland People’s Choice Award, giving people across Ireland the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the charities making a difference in communities every day.
The People’s Choice Award is part of the Charities Institute Ireland Charity Excellence Awards, which celebrate excellence, leadership, innovation and impact across Ireland’s charity sector.
While winners across the other award categories are selected by an independent judging panel, the People’s Choice Award is decided entirely by the public. Supporters, volunteers, staff and communities are invited to learn more about this year’s finalists and cast their vote for the organisation they believe deserves to take home the award.
The People’s Choice Award is sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance, a longstanding strategic partner of Charities Institute Ireland and specialist insurer serving the faith, charity, heritage and education sectors. Ecclesiastical is part of Benefact Group, an international family of financial services companies owned by a charitable trust.
Voting will close at 11.59pm on Thursday, 29 October 2026, with the charity receiving the highest number of valid votes announced as the 2026 People’s Choice Award winner at the Charity Excellence Awards Gala Dinner on 5 November 2026 at The Round Room, Dublin.
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.”
The Charity Excellence Awards bring together charities from across Ireland to recognise the people, organisations and initiatives helping to create positive change throughout the country.
