Facts & Figures

There are over 19,000 community and voluntary organisations in Ireland. They range from small local ‘social groups’ like retirement associations and clubs to large non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and national umbrella organisations for organisations involved with disabilities, poverty relief, and homelessness.

Every year over two-thirds of Irish adults - that's over two million people - participate in the social, sporting, cultural and humanitarian activities.

The community and voluntary sector makes an important economic contribution, employing over 45,000 people and generating an estimated annual turnover of €2.5bn.

Community and voluntary organisations help to provide essential services in areas such as healthcare, education, poverty relief and housing. In fact, many hospitals are charities that rely on public donations.

Community and voluntary organisations help to identify and meet society’s needs, and provides opportunities for people to help build their communities.

The Wheel is a national support and representative body for community, voluntary and charitable organisations. They provide information and support services, advice and training to individuals and organisations involved in community and voluntary activity. They also represent and promote both their members’ and the wider sector’s interests.