28 May 2025
Transparency and accountability are vital for any nonprofit to build and maintain public trust – Carmichael
– Carmichael opens applications for the Good Governance Awards 2025 –
Transparency and accountability are vital for any nonprofit to build and maintain public trust. That’s according to Carmichael, who launched the opening of applications for their Good Governance Awards 2025 today (28.05.25).
Now in its tenth year, the Good Governance Awards recognise and encourage adherence to responsible governance and transparent reporting by nonprofits in Ireland. Each year, more than 100 nonprofit organisations enter their annual report and financial statements into the awards to be assessed under the criteria of transparency, governance, strategy, and financial information. In 2024, the 7 Good Governance Awards Winners ranged from Chronic Pain Ireland, a small charity that supports, educates and advocates for people with chronic pain to Trócaire, an international social justice organisation with an annual income of more than €93 million.
Commenting after the 2024 Awards, Christina Donnelly, Executive Director of Chronic Pain Ireland who were winners of Category 1 said “We were absolutely delighted to receive this award, which recognised our strong commitment to good governance as the foundation for accountability, trust, and effective operations, especially as a small charity with limited resources. This recognition affirms the transparency and responsible leadership that guides everything we do at Chronic Pain Ireland. We were deeply grateful to the judges, Carmichael, and the organisers, and especially proud of our dedicated Board, staff, and volunteers whose commitment made this achievement possible.”
Speaking today, Diarmaid Ó Corrbuí, CEO of Carmichael and Founder of the Good Governance Awards, said, “The Good Governance Awards raise the quality of corporate governance in our sector by encouraging higher standards of good practice in annual reports. Expert feedback is provided to all entrants on how to improve the quality of their annual reports. This helps to ensure our sector is meeting best practice, constantly improving and communicating appropriately to its stakeholders.
“This year we are especially encouraging applications from the diverse range of organisations working in the nonprofit sector. We welcome applications from all areas – from arts and sports to homeless services and youth organisations. Due to the growing profile of the Good Governance Awards, we expect to see our highest number of applications ever this year.”
How to Enter
Any nonprofit organisation in Ireland, whether a charity, Company Limited by Guarantee, sports club or social enterprise, can enter the Awards. There are seven categories for the awards based on the annual turnover of the organisation:
- Category 1: For organisations with an annual turnover of less than €100,000
- Category 2: For organisations with an annual turnover of between €100,000 and €250.000.
- Category 3: For organisations with an annual turnover of over €250,000 and under €750,000.
- Category 4: For organisations with an annual turnover of over €750,000 and under €2.5 million.
- Category 5: For organisations with an annual turnover of over €2.5 million and under €10 million
- Category 6: For organisations with an annual turnover of over €10 million and under €50 million
- Category 7: For organisations with an annual turnover of over €50 million.
Details on the entry criteria and categories; the judging panel; how to enter; and other resources such as annual report templates are available at: www.goodgovernanceawards.ie or enter here.
Entries closed 11th September 2025. Awards ceremony takes place Wednesday 19th November.
Contact: Martha Boyle, Good Governance Awards Coordinator
Email: martha@carmichaelireland.ie
Download press release here.
