Donegal groups on RiSE journey through €3.97m Peaceplus Project

Donegal Giving, Ballybofey, Spraoi agus Spórt, Carndonagh and The Termon Complex, Pettigo are among 19 rural organisations from across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland participating in the programme Sign up to our Ireland Live newsletter Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Ireland Live within your account. Three rural organisations from Donegal are among the first cohort taking part in the €3.97 million Rural Innovation and Social Enterprise (RiSE) Project, with their programme of learning, development and collaboration now well underway. Donegal Giving, Ballybofey, Spraoi agus Spórt, Carndonagh and The Termon Complex, Pettigo are among 19 rural organisations from across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland participating in the programme. RiSE is a cross-community and cross-border initiative supported by Peaceplus, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), which aims to unlock the potential of social enterprise as a driver of sustainability, innovation and long-term growth within rural communities. Led by Rural Action, the project is delivered in partnership with Irish Rural Link, Social Enterprise Academy Scotland and Social Enterprise NI (SENI), with Community Finance Ireland as an associate partner. The partnership brings together experience and expertise in rural development, social enterprise and learning to support participating organisations throughout their RiSE journey. Since beginning their RiSE journey, the organisations have been engaging in a programme of activity designed to strengthen leadership, build connections, encourage shared learning and support the development of sustainable social enterprise activity. The cohort came together for the first time in June at Galbally Community Centre for the 'Exploring My Leadership' cluster event. This was followed in July with a residential in Monaghan. Reflecting on his experience of the programme so far, Carl Fivey from The Termon Complex, Pettigo, said: 'The opportunity to network with other communities and organisations from across the border has been brilliant. We've been able to learn about what other organisations are doing, how they are approaching the challenges they face and how we can learn from and support one another.' Áine McCarron from Spraoi agus Spórt, Carndonagh, added 'Through RiSE we have met lots of other organisations, and the variety of work they do is just incredible. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the RiSE programme to other organisations. Whether they are just starting on their journey or are further along the line, they should definitely consider applying to RiSE.' Read More Evelyn McGlynn from Donegal Giving, Ballybofey, said: 'One of the most valuable parts of RiSE so far has been connecting with organisations facing many of the same challenges as ourselves. Although we come from different places and communities, there is so much we can learn from one another, and we're excited to see where that collaboration takes us.' Speaking about the progress of the programme, Teresa Canavan, Chief Executive of Rural Action, said: 'It has been fantastic to see the first RiSE cohort come together and to watch the connections, conversations and ideas already beginning to develop. These organisations bring a wealth of experience, ambition and commitment to their rural communities. One of the real strengths of RiSE is the partnership approach behind the programme and the opportunity it creates to bring people and organisations together across communities and borders. We are only at the beginning of their journey, but there is already a real sense of energy and enthusiasm about what can be achieved.' The programme will continue to build momentum over the coming months, with a one-day Northern Ireland Study Visit planned for September, followed by a three-day study visit to Scotland in October, providing further opportunities for participating organisations to experience social enterprise in practice, exchange ideas and bring new learning back to their communities. September will also see the beginning of RiSE Schools, the youth-focused element of the project, creating opportunities for young people to explore social enterprise, innovation and social action. Expressions of Interest for the next RiSE cohort are now open and will close on Friday 9th October 2026, providing another opportunity for rural organisations across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland to get involved. Full details and the Expression of Interest form are available on the Rural Action website at www.ruralaction.co. Peaceplus is co-funded by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland Executive.