The Connect_February2026

Dear Managers of Volunteers,

Welcome to the February Newsletter!

As 2026 gains momentum, your volunteer requirements for the year are hopefully becoming clearer. This newsletter is designed to assist with your strategic planning, highlighting practical resources to help you respond effectively in the months ahead.
Fingal Volunteer Centre remains dedicated to supporting you in meeting these evolving needs.

Fingal Volunteer Centre Survey for Organisations 

Help us support you better in 2026!

We have sent out a short survey to all our partners to better understand your current needs and how our services work for you. Your input ensures that our time and resources are dedicated to the areas that matter most to you and the people you work with.

Please volunteer 5 min and answer the survey today.

Putting up volunteer role(s) on I-VOL 

Supporting organisations to meet their volunteer needs is a core part of Fingal Volunteer Centre’s work. Organisations can advertise volunteering roles on I-VOL (the National Volunteering Database), where volunteers from across Ireland can view and apply for available opportunities.

Step 1: Prepare the Volunteer Role details
A well written volunteer role needs the following information:

• A clear description of the volunteer role and tasks involved
• Location of the role/ flexibility to do the volunteering from home
• Days of the week and time duration
• Skills or experience needed (if any)
• Selection process
• What training is provided (if applicable)

Step 2: Submit the Volunteer Role on I-VOL
Visit Post a Volunteering Opportunity on available on Fingal Volunteer Centre website under For Organisations tab and complete the form using your VCI code. Get in touch with us in case you need your VCI Code.

Once submitted, we will review and publish your role to I-VOL. We will then forward all interested candidates to you to begin your internal selection and hiring process.

If your organisation has ongoing roles listed with us, please check their status. To reactivate a role or post a new one, simply contact us or follow the steps above.

Community Volunteers Programme supporting your special events

 Planning a special event in 2026? 

Fingal Volunteer Centre’s Community Volunteers programme provides valuable support for your local events.

On the day of your event, our Volunteers Manager brings a trusted team of Community Volunteers to support your event. They can help with registration, provide information and directions to attendees, support activities, and more—tasks are tailored to suit the specific needs of your event.

In 2025, our Community Volunteers Calendar was our busiest yet, with several same-day events overlapping. To ensure we can support your event in 2026, please contact our Community Volunteer Manager today to save the date, discuss your upcoming plans and see how our volunteers can assist.

Celebrate International Volunteer Year (IVY) 2026!

Volunteer Ireland has been named the national lead for International Volunteer Year 2026 by the United Nations.

The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development (IVY), thereby promoting and recognizing volunteerism as a significant force for sustainable development.

Throughout the year, Volunteer Ireland will work with partners across civil society, Government, academia, and the private sector to showcase and celebrate the incredible impact of volunteering in Ireland.

Volunteer Centre Pop-ups in Libraries

Every month, we visit libraries across Fingal to answer questions and provide guidance to help visitors / organisations get the most from your volunteering programs.

Feel free to drop by to chat with us about your volunteer needs — we would love to meet you!

Believe Balbriggan Event 

Is your group active in Balbriggan?

Believe Balbriggan is an opportunity to showcase your organisation’s work through Information stands, workshops, and live demonstrations.

Registrations for local organisations are currently open. Participation is welcomed from community groups, youth and sports organisations, arts and cultural groups to take part in the event.

We also encourage organisations that are actively looking for volunteers in Balbriggan and surrounding areas or planning to expand their services in Balbriggan to participate in the event.

*This event is supported by Fingal County Council. Fingal Volunteer Centre has no input in it. This is for information only.

Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026 

Fingal County Council is inviting community and voluntary groups in Fingal to apply for funding under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2026.

This funding supports groups—especially those in disadvantaged areas—to carry out essential repairs and improvements to facilities, purchase equipment such as tables, chairs, tools, signage, laptops, printers, lawnmowers, canopies, and training equipment.

The programme aims to help communities, groups, and committees continue providing valuable services while strengthening community bonds. It also aligns with local strategic priorities through connections with the Local Economic Community Plans (LECPs).

*This funding is organised by the Fingal County Council. Fingal Volunteer Centre has no input in it. This is for information only. 

Access Europe Website Launch

Access Europe has officially launched its new website, designed as a “one-stop shop” for Irish organizations navigating the world of EU funding.

The redesigned platform at www.accesseurope.ie offers a modern, user-friendly experience featuring:

• eLearning Hub: Self-guided modules to build your funding knowledge at your own pace.
• Funding Calls & Calendar: Easily track relevant opportunities and upcoming deadlines.
• Partner Database: Connect with potential project partners across Europe.

*The Access Europe website provides information on various EU Funding that an Irish organisation can apply for. Fingal Volunteer Centre has no input in it. This is for information only.   

Upcoming Training 

Stay up to date with the latest training and events from Volunteer Ireland and other Dublin Volunteer Centres. Key highlights for your diary include:

• Investing in Volunteers information session Online – 26th Feb – 11am to 12pm
• Managing Risk in Your Volunteer Programme Rua Red, South Dublin Arts Centre, Tallaght, D24 KV8N – 23rd April – 10:00am – 1:00pm
• National Volunteer Management Conference 2026 Sheraton Athlone Hotel – 28th April – 9am to 4:15pm

*These training & events are organised by Volunteer Ireland and other Dublin Volunteer Centres. Fingal Volunteer Centre has no input in it. This is for information only.