We are absolutely stoked to kick off 2023 with brilliant news. To start the year on such a strong note, The B!G Idea has won the top prize of €20,000 at the Aviva Broker Community Fund Awards. This generous funding will now allow us to expand our programme and reach even more disadvantaged young people across Ireland.
Importantly, the judges selected The B!G Idea as the winner in the Diversity and Inclusion category. As a result, this funding will directly support students in DEIS schools and vulnerable young people from diverse backgrounds. More significantly, this award strengthens our commitment to equitable access. Too often, opportunity depends on circumstance. However, we believe every student deserves the chance to develop creative thinking skills, confidence and resilience.
Therefore, this funding helps us widen access while deepening impact.
The nomination came from Darragh Goggin, Financial Adviser at Gallagher Insurance in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. Because of his belief in our work, The B!G Idea entered the awards process.
He explained his decision:
“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.”
Clearly, local advocacy can create national change.
Now in its fifth year, the Aviva Broker Community Fund enables brokers and financial advisers across Ireland to champion charities and community organisations they believe in. Each year, Aviva Ireland distributes a total prize pool of €120,000. Specifically, the fund awards top prizes of €20,000 across three categories:
We are, therefore, incredibly proud to win in the Diversity and Inclusion category.
Looking ahead, this award gives our 2023 programme real momentum. Niamh Cooney, Head of Development & Sustainability at The B!G Idea, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to receive this donation from Aviva Ireland. A massive thank you to Aviva and to Darragh Goggin for nominating us.”
Furthermore, she highlighted the broader impact:
“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 addition, thousands of students this year are developing solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These include displaced people, hidden poverty, climate change, diversity and inclusion, and mental health. Consequently, this funding strengthens both access and long-term impact.
Brian O’Neill, Head of Communications, Sustainability, Brand and Sponsorship at Aviva Ireland, added:
“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.”
Importantly, this partnership reflects a growing shift. Increasingly, corporate sustainability goals align with community-led education initiatives.
Although the programme has already begun in schools nationwide, there is still time to get involved as a mentor. Providing online feedback takes only a few hours across February, March and May. Yet, the impact lasts far longer. Mentors help build confidence, strengthen problem-solving skills and expand students’ career awareness.
So, if you would like to get involved, visit thebigidea.ie or join our final online mentor information session at 1pm on Wednesday, 8 February.
Together, we can ensure that background never determines opportunity — and that every young person builds the creative skills they need for life.
