Sustainable Rural Social Impact Award Category

  • RDS Agriculture & Rural Awards

    These Awards celebrate the work of individuals, farm families and organisations who are sustainably enhancing the economic, environmental, social and cultural development of Irish agriculture and rural communities.

  • Sustainable Rural Social Impact Award Category 

    Aim Of Award:

    • This award is open to not for profit or voluntary rural groups and organisations that are promoting or supporting the sustainable economic and/or societal development of their local community.
    • For example, initiatives that improve the local economy, rural environment, social inclusion, local arts (visual arts, music or crafts) or cultural heritage, and reduce rural isolation.

    Prizes Available:

    • The winner in this category will receive €2,000 and an RDS Spring Awards Trophy
    • The runner-up will receive €1,000 and an RDS Certificate of Merit

    The deadline to apply is 13 March, 2026

    The 2026 winners will be announced and presented with their prizes at the RDS Spring Awards in the RDS Concert Hall in April 2026.

    Please note that only one entry is allowed per applicant. Please select the category which is most relevant to you. If the judges, consider that your entry is more appropriate to another category your application will be transferred.

  • Introduction

    Please provide a summary overview of your organisation.

    For example:

    • Nature of the activity in which organisation is engaged
    • Length of time in operation
    • Area served or impacted by the activity
    • No of jobs supported
    • No of active volunteers
    • What was the catalyst, or inspiration, behind this idea/project and what are your future plans and ambitions.
  • 0/300

  • What is the economic, environmental and/or social/cultural impact of this initiative?

    For example:

    1. No. of persons, communities or other users (other businesses, suppliers or customers) directly or indirectly availing of or impacted by your activity 
    2. How do you measure the economic, environmental, or social/cultural impact of your activity on your community?
  • 0/300

  • Please tell us what sustainable management practices you apply in your organisation.

    For example: What circular management practices do you employ? (the 3Rs of the Circular Economy are: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) i.e. Reduction in emissions, Increased energy efficiency, Water conservation, how do you manage your premises and supply chain, etc.

  • 0/300

  • Please tell what measures you have adopted to support the wider sustainable development of rural Ireland.

    For example: How are you helping to build a vibrant and socially inclusive rural Ireland, measures to enhance the long term viability of rural communities.

  • 0/300

  • What can others learn from your example, and do you currently communicate and/or engage with the wider rural community to spread the benefits of sustainable best practice?

  • 0/300

  • Please share any other information that you believe is relevant in helping us recognise you as an RDS sustainability champion.

  • 0/300

  • Please note the judges may wish, but are not obliged, to arrange a site visit following a study of the completed entry form.

    For further information please contact the RDS on 01 240 7215, or email agriculture@rds.ie

    The data you provide in this form will be processed for your entry to the RDS Spring Awards. The RDS Spring Awards is an event run and managed by the RDS. The purpose for the processing of personal data relating to you (“Data”) is to assess and evaluate your entry. Processing of your Data is done with your consent, or pursuant to our contract, or for pre-contractual steps, or done in the legitimate interest of the RDS to assist in the provision of its chartable aims.

    By providing your information, you confirm your agreement to this processing. Please note that you are responsible for informing the RDS of any subsequent changes to this Data. For further details of how we process your Data, the categories of persons to who we disclose your Data, and all other matters contained in Articles 12-14 of the General Data Protection Regulation, please visit www.rds.ie/privacy to view the RDS Privacy Policy.

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