Focus
- Active citizenship
- Arts and Culture
- Anti-discrimination
- Environment
- Health services and health promotion
- Heritage
- Immigration, refugee and asylum seeker supports
- Mental health
- Peace and reconciliation
- People in vulnerable situations e.g. domestic violence
- Policy and advocacy
- Rural development
- Services for older people
- Social inclusion
- Sport and exercise
- Sustainable development
- Urban development
- Volunteering
Interest
- Development of education and training materials and programmes
- European learning networks and exchanges
- Community outreach and engagement
- Cultural and artistic innovation
- Governance
- Policy, advocacy and campaigns
- Research
EU Project Experience
The IMSA has limited EU Programme Experience though it has in the past partnered with organisations to deliver Health and Well being programmes and Community Development initiatives and at a local level has accessed funding available though the SICAP and Leader programmes.
EU Funding Goals
Enhancing Network & Collaboration
- Strengthening connections with European partners to share best practices, build strategic alliances, and develop joint initiatives.Capacity Building
- Improving IMSA’s ability to identify, apply for, and manage EU funding opportunities effectively.
Awareness & Visibility
- Raising awareness of IMSA’s work at an EU level, highlighting its impact on social inclusion, well-being, and lifelong learning for men.Access to Funding
- Facilitating participation in relevant EU funding programs such as Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and the European Social Fund+ to support sustainability and expansion.
Policy Influence
- Engaging in EU discussions on community-led initiatives to advocate for policies supporting voluntary and grassroots organisations.
Strengths
The Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA) brings several key strengths to potential European partners, including:
Extensive National Reach
- Representing 450+ sheds and 7,000+ members across Ireland, IMSA offers a well-established grassroots network for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and project implementation.
Proven Community Engagement
- A strong track record in fostering social inclusion, mental well-being, and lifelong learning, particularly among older men and those at risk of isolation.
Experience with Government & Policy
- Established relationships with Irish Government Departments, policymakers, and funding bodies, demonstrating experience in advocacy, compliance, and strategic program delivery.
Successful Project Delivery
- History of managing and delivering community-led initiatives, including funded projects in areas like health promotion, mental health, education, sustainability and digital inclusion.
Scalability & Replicability
- A tested and successful shed model that can be adapted and expanded to enhance social cohesion and volunteering efforts.
Collaboration & Partnership Readiness
- Experience working with corporate, academic, and non-profit partners, making IMSA a strong partner for EU-funded initiatives.
Sustainability & Innovation
- A focus on self-sustaining community initiatives, skill development, and innovative approaches to community well-being.
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