St Joseph’s Foundation, The Early Learning Initiative and Selskar College Receive Top Awards as Eight Charity and Community Organisations Recognised at This Year’s Ceremony in Aviva Stadium
Dublin, 23rd January 2026: A total of €140,000 has been awarded to fifty-eight charity and community organisations across Ireland through the 2025 Aviva Broker Community Fund.
Following project presentations to a judging panel at Aviva Stadium, Selskar College in Co. Wexford (nominated by Teresa Bruen from Gallagher Insurance) won the Community Award, receiving €20,000.
After extensive deliberation, the National College of Ireland’s Early Learning Initiative (nominated by Barry MacDonald from MacDonald Financial Consultants) and St. Joseph’s Foundation in Co. Cork (nominated by Brian O’Mara from Brown & Brown) were named joint winners of the Charity Award, each receiving €15,000.
Shortlisted from 155 broker and financial advisor nominated entries nationwide, the finalists outlined how the funding would support essential services and deliver meaningful local impact. Now in its eighth year, the Fund enables brokers and financial advisors across Ireland to champion causes that make a real difference in their communities while securing vital financial support.
Community Organisation Category
- Winner (€20,000): Selskar College in Co. Wexford - Nominated by Teresa Bruen, Gallagher Insurance
Runners‑up — €11,000 each:
- St. Marys Rochfortbridge, Co. Westmeath - Nominated by Cathal Coyle, Byrne Actuaries
- Clogher Environmental Group CLG, Co. Mayo - Nominated by John Kerrigan, Hastings Insurance
- Charleville First Responders, Co. Cork - Nominated by Keith Kavanagh, McCarthy Insurance Group
Charity Category:
Joint Winners — €15,000 each:
- The Early Learning Initiative, National College of Ireland, Co. Dublin - Nominated by Barry MacDonald, MacDonald Financial Consultants Ltd
- St. Joseph’s Foundation, Co. Cork - Nominated by Brian O’Mara, Brown & Brown
Runners-up (€11,000 each):
- An Cosán, Co. Dublin - Nominated by Des Dillon, Le Chéile Group
- AK Inspired CLG & Scotia Village, Co. Kerry - Nominated by Denis Murphy, Fairstone
What stood out across all this year’s nominated organisations was how deeply each one understands the needs of their community, and how passionately brokers and financial advisors advocated for the causes they nominated. The projects we heard about were targeted, practical and capable of making an immediate difference. It’s a privilege for us at Aviva Ireland to help accelerate work that is already creating real impact on the ground, and we are grateful to every broker and financial advisor who took the time to put these organisations forward
Brian O’Neill, Head of Sponsorship, Sustainability and External Communications, Aviva Ireland
Participation grants
The first 50 eligible entries each received a €700 grant in recognition of the time and effort invested in their submissions.
Judging Panel Feedback
The judging panel comprised of Brian O’Neill (Head of Sponsorship, Sustainability & External Communications, Aviva Ireland), Rachael Larney (Sustainability Executive, Aviva Ireland), Steve McGerr (Sales Director, Aviva Insurance Ireland DAC), Norman Costello (Sales Director, Aviva Life & Pensions Ireland DAC), and guest judge, Bernard Jackman (former rugby player and business consultant). The panel commended the exceptional quality and community impact demonstrated by this year’s finalists.
About the Aviva Broker Community Fund
The Aviva Broker Community Fund provides a platform for brokers and financial advisors to support registered charities and community groups by nominating them for financial awards. The 2025 prize fund totalled €140,000, comprising a top Community award of €20,000, two top Charity awards of €15,000, six runners‑up awards of €11,000, and 50 early entry grants of €700.
The Fund supports initiatives across diversity, equality and inclusion, climate action and financial wellbeing, strengthening the communities where Aviva customers and colleagues live and work.