We are absolutely stoked to kick off 2023 with some brilliant news.
The B!G Idea has been awarded the top prize of €20,000 at the Aviva Broker Community Fund Awards. This generous support will help us continue expanding our programme and reach some of the most disadvantaged young people across Ireland.
The award was granted under the Diversity and Inclusion category. It will support students from DEIS schools and help us reach vulnerable young people from diverse backgrounds.
This funding allows us to widen the programme’s impact and ensure more students have access to essential creative thinking skills.
The nomination came from Darragh Goggin, Financial Adviser at Gallagher Insurance in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick.
He shared why he nominated The B!G Idea:
“As a community-based broker, I know how important it is to encourage young people to challenge themselves and broaden their experiences during their school years. That’s exactly what The B!G Idea does. I was delighted that Aviva recognised its potential and backed this commitment with a €20,000 award. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have in our communities.”
Now in its fifth year, the Aviva Broker Community Fund gives financial advisers and brokers across Ireland the opportunity to support local charities and community organisations.
Sponsored by Aviva Ireland, the fund distributes a total prize pool of €120,000, with top prizes of €20,000 awarded across three categories:
Climate Action
Diversity and Inclusion
Stronger Communities
The B!G Idea was proud to be named the winner in the Diversity and Inclusion category.
Niamh Cooney, Head of Development & Sustainability at The B!G Idea, described the award as a huge boost for the year ahead:
“We are incredibly grateful to receive this donation from Aviva Ireland. A massive thank you to Aviva and to Darragh Goggin for nominating us.”
She added:
“Our programme gives young people a platform to share their ideas and make a real difference in their communities. Creative thinking is an in-demand skill, and our students work alongside hundreds of industry mentors each year — from graduates to CEOs. In 2023, thousands of students are developing solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including displaced people, hidden poverty, climate change, diversity and inclusion, and mental health.”
Brian O’Neill, Head of Communications, Sustainability, Brand and Sponsorship at Aviva Ireland, said:
“We were deeply humbled by the incredible work carried out by our winning charities and community organisations. Their positive impact on people’s lives is inspiring and closely aligned with Aviva’s sustainability ambitions.”
The B!G Idea programme has already begun in schools, but there’s still time to get involved as a mentor.
Supporting students with online feedback takes just a few hours across February, March and May. To find out more, visit thebigidea.ie or join our final online mentor information session at 1pm on Wednesday, 8 February.
Together, we can help even more young people build the creative skills they need for life.
