The Waterford Public Participation Network (PPN) is delighted to announce the return of the Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Awards 2026.
These annual awards celebrate the outstanding individuals, volunteers, community groups and organisations that make Waterford a better place to live. Every day, people across the county give their time, energy and passion to support others, strengthen communities and create positive change. The Community & Voluntary Awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate these local champions.
This year’s group awards feature seven categories. The Winner of each category will receive €700 and the Runners-Up in each category will receive €300:
- Age Friendly – sponsored by Cairde Credit Union
- Children & Youth – sponsored by Bus Éireann
- Community Safety – sponsored by Waterford Community Safety Partnership
- Environment, Heritage & Biodiversity – sponsored by South East Energy Agency
- Health & Wellbeing – sponsored by Campion Insurance
- Inclusive Communities – sponsored by Local Link Waterford
- Spick & Span – Best Kept Residential Area – sponsored by Waterford City and County Council – Housing and Community Dept
Three new categories have been introduced for 2026:
- Age Friendly, recognising groups that positively impact the lives of people aged 55 and over.
- Environment, Heritage & Biodiversity, celebrating groups protecting and improving our environment, biodiversity and local heritage.
- Inclusive Communities, recognising groups that create welcoming and accessible communities where everyone can participate and belong.
- Waterford Volunteer of the Year – celebrating the contribution volunteers make to Waterford in 2026.
- Rising Star Volunteer of the Year – celebrating young and emerging volunteers.
- Volunteer Legacy Award – celebrating long-standing commitment and a lasting contribution to the community
Could your group be among this year’s nominees? Keep an eye on Waterford PPN’s website and social media channels as we reveal more about the awards, categories and sponsors.
Nominations Open – 19th August 2026
Nominations officially open on Wednesday, 19th August 2026.
Do you know an individual, volunteer or community group making a real difference in your area? This is your chance to recognise their hard work and ensure they receive the appreciation they deserve.
Further details on how to submit nominations will be announced closer to the launch date.
Awards Ceremony
The winners will be celebrated at the Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Awards 2026, taking place on:
Thursday, 5th November 2026
Park Hotel, Dungarvan
6:30pm – 10:30pm
The awards ceremony promises to be a memorable evening, bringing together communities from across Waterford to celebrate the people and organisations that make such a valuable contribution every day.
Get in Touch
For more information about the awards, please contact Walter at Waterford PPN :
Phone: 087 980 9985
Email: wcullinan@waterfordcouncil.ie
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Awards 2026 are made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. Their commitment helps us recognise and celebrate the volunteers and community groups who make Waterford such a vibrant and caring county.
Stay tuned for more announcements over the coming weeks, including nomination categories, how to enter, and exciting updates as we count down to the launch.
Start thinking about the people and groups in your community who deserve to be recognised—because every great community has heroes, and now it’s their time to shine.
