Dublin shines at 2025 National Lottery Good Causes Awards with Two Category Winners!

Dublin-based organisations were celebrated at the 2025 National Lottery Good Causes Awards, with AkiDwA and Festival in a Van recognised for their outstanding contributions to Community and Arts & Culture across Ireland.

• AkiDwA won the Community Award and was also named National Lottery Good Cause of the Year • Festival in a Van won the Arts & Culture Award

The National Lottery Good Causes Awards, celebrate inspiring organisations and individuals across Ireland who benefit from Good Causes part-funding. This year’s ceremony took place at Killashee House Hotel, Co. Kildare on Saturday, 18th October 2025, hosted by Marty Whelan.

Community & National Lottery Good Cause of the Year: AkiDwA AkiDwA (the Alliance for Immigrant and Refugee Women in Ireland) provides vital support, advocacy, and education for migrant women and their families across the country. From mental health support and legal guidance to integration programmes and community-building initiatives, AkiDwA empowers women to fully participate in Irish society.

Daithí O’Sé, broadcaster and Chair of the 2025 Judging Panel, said:
“AkiDwA is a remarkable organisation that combines compassion with action. Their work ensures that some of the most vulnerable members of our communities have a voice, access to support, and opportunities to thrive. It’s clear why they are both this year’s Community Award winners and the overall Good Cause of the Year.”

AkiDwA received €10,000 as the Community category winner, and an additional €25,000 for being named overall Good Cause of the Year. Miriam O’Callaghan presented the organisation with the Community Award while Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure and Public Service Reform, Jack Chambers, presented the overall Good Cause of the Year Award.

Arts & Culture: Festival in a Van Festival in a Van brings arts and culture to communities across Dublin and nationwide through a mobile festival programme that delivers music, theatre, and creative workshops directly to people who may not otherwise have access to the arts. Their innovative approach breaks down barriers to participation and ensures arts and culture are inclusive and accessible to all. The Arts & Culture award was presented to Festival in a Van by singer Una Healy, during the ceremony.

Daithí O’Sé praised the organisation, saying: “Festival in a Van has shown incredible imagination and community spirit, bringing arts and culture directly to people who might otherwise be left behind. Their work enriches communities and creates shared experiences that are both meaningful and inspiring.”

Cian Murphy, Chief Executive of the National Lottery, congratulated the winners saying;
“On behalf of everyone at the National Lottery, I am delighted to extend our warmest congratulations to AkiDwA as this year’s Good Cause of the Year and Festival in a Van as Arts & Culture winner as well as to every one of our outstanding category winners. This year’s winners highlight the very best of our small nation, making an extraordinary impact in our communities. Thanks to our players, these projects, clubs and individuals are changing lives every day, helping to build a better, fairer and more compassionate society for all. We are proud to recognise and honour your work”

The full list of winners at the 2025 National Lottery Good Causes Awards is as follows: • National Lottery Good Cause of the Year– AkiDwA, Dublin • Arts & Culture – Festival in a Van, Dublin • Community – AkiDwA, Dublin • Health & Wellbeing – Kinaffe Community Garden, Mayo • Heritage – Irish Whale & Dolphin Group, Clare • Irish Language – Na Gaeil CLG, Kerry • Sport – Dragon Boat Club Ballina, Mayo • Youth – The Cavan Centre, Cavan • Hero of the Year – Liam Brereton, St. Brigid’s Edenderry Boxing Club, Offaly

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