Businesses invited to be part of Clare’s European Volunteering Capital 2027
County Clare is getting ready for a year-long celebration of volunteering, and businesses across the county are being invited to be part of it.
County Clare has been named European Volunteering Capital 2027, recognising the extraordinary contribution made by volunteers in communities right across the county.
From community groups and sports clubs to charities, environmental projects and local organisations, thousands of people give their time every year to make a difference to the lives of others. In 2027, Clare will have an opportunity to celebrate that contribution on a national and European stage.
A programme of events, activities and initiatives will take place throughout the year, bringing volunteers, community organisations, businesses and the wider public together to celebrate volunteering, encourage more people to get involved and showcase the strength of Clare’s communities.
Clare joins a distinguished list of European Volunteering Capitals that includes Barcelona, Lisbon, London, Berlin and Gdansk.
Businesses have a role to play
Businesses are being invited to become corporate partners of Clare 2027 and help make the year a memorable celebration for volunteers across the county.
Partnership opportunities range from supporting the Volunteer Ambassador Programme and volunteer celebration events to sponsoring major festivals, becoming a Clare 2027 Business Partner or providing employees with opportunities to volunteer in their communities.
It is an opportunity for businesses to put their support for local communities into action while connecting with one of the county’s biggest civic celebrations.
Volunteer Ambassador Programme
The Volunteer Ambassador Programme will see volunteers represent European Volunteering Capital 2027 at events, conferences, community activities and celebrations throughout the year.
One business will have the opportunity to become the official sponsor of the programme, with opportunities for prominent brand recognition, digital and social media promotion, corporate recognition at key events and support for ambassador training and development.
Volunteer Celebration Partner
Businesses can also help shine a light on the people who give their time to others by supporting volunteer recognition and celebration activities throughout 2027.
Partnership opportunities could include event sponsorship, branding, social media promotion, opportunities to present awards and recognition, and employee participation in celebrations.
Volunteer Festival Partner
Businesses can put themselves at the heart of a major county-wide celebration by supporting the Clare 2027 Volunteer Festival.
Opportunities could include main event sponsorship, stage or activity sponsorship, family and community activities, promotional spaces and staff volunteering.
Clare 2027 Business Partner
Businesses can also join the Clare 2027 network as an official Corporate Partner, demonstrating their commitment to volunteering, community and social impact.
Partners will have opportunities for recognition across Clare 2027 channels, networking, employee engagement, participation in events and connections with community and voluntary organisations across the county.
Put your people at the heart of Clare 2027
Employee volunteering will be another important part of the programme.
Businesses can give their employees opportunities to take part in one-day volunteering projects, community initiatives, environmental activities, charity events, skills-based volunteering and team challenges.
It is a chance to support local communities while helping employees build connections, develop skills and work together outside the workplace.
A European opportunity
Clare’s European Volunteering Capital status will also create opportunities to connect with national and European networks, community organisations and leaders working in volunteering and social development.
For businesses, it provides an opportunity to be associated with Clare’s growing international profile and demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and social impact.
Building a legacy beyond 2027
The ambition for Clare 2027 extends beyond a single year.
Corporate support can help strengthen volunteering across the county by contributing to local volunteering capacity, infrastructure and opportunities for people to get involved.
By becoming a Clare 2027 partner, businesses can help ensure that the momentum created during the European Volunteering Capital year continues long after 2027 comes to an end.
Join us
Businesses of all sizes are invited to get involved and help make Clare European Volunteering Capital 2027 a year to remember.
Whether through sponsorship, employee volunteering, event support or becoming a Clare 2027 Business Partner, there are opportunities to find a role that works for your organisation.
To discuss partnership opportunities, contact:
Sharon Meaney, Clare Volunteer Centre
065 6845517 | 086 8031106
sharon@volunteerclare.ie
Brendan Boyce, Clare County Council
086 3780719
bboyce@clarecoco.ie
We are inviting expressions of interest from businesses by no later than 31st October 2026.
