RiSE Social Enterprise Training Programme and Cash Supports- Online Information Sessions – 7pm 12th, 19th and 26th March.
RiSE will provide training, networking and practical support to help organisations enhance sustainability, expand income generation and increase access to vital community services. The project will be of significant value to both existing social enterprises and community organisations with a social enterprise ambition operating in the border counties. They are keen to ensure that all existing rural social enterprises and community organisations with a social enterprise ambition in the border counties are fully aware of the project.
Phase One – (The Training Element) closes for Expressions of Interest on March 27th. This cross-border training will be delivered online and in person by the Social Enterprise Academy and will include a paid residential training event in Scotland. The programme will run for 10 months and will include about 8 days in total of engagement. The schedule (cognizant of busy schedules and the fact that a good number of participants will be volunteers) will be finalised after consultation with successful applicants.
Importantly successful completion of the training programme gives access to Phase 2 of the programme. In this phase tailored mentor support and €5000 in support will be provided.
The Expression of Interest Form can be accessed online here.
They have arranged an online information session scheduled for 7pm this Thursday 12th, Thursday 19th and and Thursday 26th March. Please find the link to all sessions here.
The #LoveYourCoast 2026 photography competition is now open for entries. With Donegal possessing Ireland’s longest and most rugged coastline along the Wild Atlantic Way why not get out your cameras to showcase impact on our coastlines and in turn how these environments, can impact us.
For more info and enter HERE
Donegal County Council is inviting members of the public, community groups, landowners, businesses, and organisations to have their say on the draft County Donegal Biodiversity Action Plan 2026 – 2030. The Draft County Donegal Biodiversity Action Plan 2026-2030 provides a framework for biodiversity action over the next five years with the vision to protect, restore, and celebrate biodiversity in County Donegal.
Full details available to read HERE
Stay up to date with latest road and weather conditions across Donegal on your phone
See live gritting routes, weather warnings and traffic cameras across the County and plan your next journey safely by visiting here
Letterkenny Autism Family Support Group – World Autism Awareness Day
Join Us in Raising Awareness – World Autism Awareness Day, 2 April 2026
To mark World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April, you are considered supporting this important initiative by encouraging staff to wear blue, sharing an awareness message on social media, or displaying information in public offices.
Additionally, it would be greatly appreciated if you could consider organising a small fundraiser in support of the Letterkenny Autism Family Support Group. Donations can be made directly through their official website donate button:
Cara House
The following are some events coming up over the next couple of weeks:
Free Movie Matinee screening of Casablanca at Cara House FRC, Tuesday 02nd March @ 2pm – Booking Essential by calling 083 863 8315
Free Generations in Creation – A collaborative event with Donegal Youth Service and Cara House FRC, inviting community members over the age of 60 to take part in a crafts and conversation afternoon on Wednesday 11th March.
Spaces limited – Booking Essential by calling 083 863 8315
Free SEAI Home Energy Grants Information Afternoon at Cara House FRC – Thursday 12th March @ 2pm. All community members welcome
Mill River Conservation Group
“The Coast Starts At My Feet”
A great online event from the Mill River Conservation Group Buncrana. They will be looking at how what we do inland impacts our rivers, drains and ultimately the sea, with practical ideas for community action, pollution prevention and climate resilience.
Saturday 28 February | 10:00am – 12:00pm ONLINE
More details HERE
Stop Food Waste Day 2026: All About Bread
Did you know that bread is one of the most commonly wasted foods in Irish households? This Stop Food Waste Day, we’re shining a light on simple ways to save bread, save money, and reduce waste!
From freezing tips to smart storage ideas and creative ways to use leftovers, Stop Food Waste is helping households make the most of every slice. Let’s work together to cut down waste and make bread go further in our kitchens. 
Learn more and get practical bread-saving tips HERE
Read the latest news from Age Friendly Ireland HERE
Read the latest news from the Irish Environmental Network HERE
EAPN Ireland Newsflash February 2026 available HERE
Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI)
DFI Newsletter February 2026 available to read HERE
PEACEPLUS Common Ground Project
Common Ground is a three-year PEACEPLUS funded programme led by the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations (NIFHA), in partnership with ICSH in ROI and Housing Associations across NI. The project is centred on supporting Housing Boards as community anchors, offering meaningful, practical support to strengthen community cohesion, inclusion, leadership, and cross-border collaboration through a social housing lens.
Over the life of the programme they will work with tenants and staff of AHB’s as well as the wider community across the six border counties delivering:
Community initiatives that support positive relations, inclusion, and integration on a cross border basis;
Co-designed cultural activities fostering shared understanding, positive relations, and opportunities for communities;
Capacity-building supports for staff, tenants, and community leaders;
Cross-border learning and collaboration opportunities, including shared practice and peer exchange;
Opportunities to identify and shape key areas of focus for cross-border collaboration and policy-related engagement, ensuring learning from the programme helps inform future practice and contributes to government strategy.
If you are interested in having a conversation, please contact
Claire Heaney-McKee, Border Counties Coordinator – PEACEPLUS Common Ground Project
Irish Council for Social Housing | 50 Merrion Sq. East | Dublin 2
Mob: +44 7513870237
Invasive Species Week 2026 will take place from the 22nd to the 28th June.
Invasive Species Week is coordinated by members of the British-Irish Council to raise awareness on invasive species and actions to prevent their spread.
The themes for this year are as follows:
Monday: Welcome to Invasive Species Week!
Tuesday: Volunteering and recording
Wednesday: Check Clean Dry
Thursday: Be Plant Wise
Friday: Be Pet Wise
Saturday and Sunday: Take part!
If you are planning an event or would like us to highlight any of the work you or your organisation is doing on invasive species, please get in touch.
Email: invasives@biodiversityireland.ie and put Invasive Species Week in the subject line.
Please remember that Alone’s National Support and Referral Line is available to provide information, advice and support, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days week. Simply dial 0818 222 024, anytime between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Community Smoke Alarm Scheme
An additional €100,000 has been announced to provide specially adapted smoke alarms for more vulnerable members of our society and asking people to check in with vulnerable neighbours, family, and friends in their communities.
The local authority arranges for the supply and where necessary the local community and voluntary group will arrange the installation of two ten-year self-contained smoke alarms For details contact the fire services within your local authority for an application form.
Contact number – 074 912 1676
Clann Credo – Community Loan Finance
Financing Community Ambition!
Calling all community groups, approved housing bodies, family resource centres, sports clubs, charities and social enterprises – If you are planning a project or service that delivers a social benefit in your local community, Clann Credomay be able to help!
The social finance offered by Clann Credo is designed for community groups and comprises term loans and bridging loans. You may need a bridging loan to enable you to avail of grant aid offered by a public body and/or you may require a term loan to deliver your project or service where grant aid is not available or does not meet the full cost of the project.
Community groups up and down the country have secured social finance from Clann Credo. But Clann Credo is much more than a source of finance – they understand the stops and starts of managing community projects. It is their understanding of community development and volunteerism that positions them as a trusted community finance partner for over 600 community borrowers.
Clann Credo is a registered charity with a national remit. They have staff ready to assist your community group – it’s never too early to talk to Clann Credo about your community’s project!
For more information check out the Clann Credo website www.clanncredo.ie or contact them – info@clanncredo.ie / 01 400 2100.
Donegal Public Participation Network 