Rural Action Awards

Every thriving rural community has people at its heart. The volunteers who give their time, the committees who keep facilities open and the neighbours who step up when something needs done. They are the driving force behind community life. At Rural Action, we believe their dedication deserves to be recognised and supported. That’s why we created the Rural Action Awards to give something back to those who give so much.

Since 2022, the Awards have supported volunteer-led community projects across rural Northern Ireland and the six border counties of Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan and Sligo, helping local people turn ideas into action. Through modest financial awards, we aim to support practical projects that make a meaningful difference to rural people and places.

What is a Rural Action Award?

Our Rural Action Awards scheme for 2026/27 will support a further 12 volunteer-led community action projects up to March 2027. The scheme provides awards of £1,000 or €1,000 to eligible rural community organisations to deliver practical, tangible and timebound projects that make a positive difference locally.

“Rural Action was established out of a continued desire to make a positive contribution to the everyday lives of rural communities.

Our strapline is ‘Making it Happen’ and we hope that these modest awards, can in some way, contribute to doing just that, to help to support rural communities to make things happen locally”.

How are the Rural Action Awards funded?

The Rural Action Awards are made possible through the work of Rural Action, including the contracts and services we deliver and our Purchase with Purpose collection. By generating income through these activities, we can continue recognising and supporting the volunteers, groups and projects that make such a difference across rural communities.

Our Purchase with Purpose collection is a celebration of the wit, warmth and wisdom of rural life, with a purpose that goes beyond the products themselves.

Inspired by the expressions and sayings passed down through generations, the collection captures the humour, character and traditions that make rural communities so special. From the sayings that made us laugh to the words of wisdom shared around kitchen tables, these familiar expressions are part of our rural heritage.

But there is something even more meaningful behind the collection.

Every purchase helps fund future Rural Action Awards, supporting volunteer-led rural community projects and giving back to those who give so much.