Community Sports Facilities Fund (CSFF) 2023: Our Clients’ Success
2into3 assisted clubs and organisations across Ireland in previous Community Sports Facilities Fund (CSFF) Grant Applications.
What Pay Transparency Means for Nonprofits in Ireland
Organisations that use salary benchmarking find that it supports better recruitment, stronger retention and more transparent conversations with staff about how pay decisions are made.
Nonprofit Talent Trends Q1 2026
Our most recent analysis of senior level recruitment within the Irish nonprofit sector indicates a slowing in hiring activity versus the same period last year, although it is worth noting that movement has increased in Q1 2026 versus Q4 2025. This is explored in more detail below.
Year-on-year, through tracking advertised roles on a variety of job platforms, 2into3 identified a total of 226 senior-level roles advertised in Q1 2026, marking a 29% decrease from the 319 roles tracked in the same quarter of 2025. There was also a 19% decrease in the number of organisations recruiting, falling from 214 in Q1 2025 to 174 in Q1 2026.
This indicates that although we have seen increased movement in Q1 2026 versus Q4 2025, fewer organisations are actively seeking leadership talent in Q1 of 2026 versus Q1 2025.
Activity by Subsector
Consistent with previous quarters, several organisations anonymously advertised their vacancies and as a result, of the 226 roles we recorded, 212 could be assigned to identifiable subsectors.
Roles by Subsector:
The trend of the Social Services subsector being the most active remains present, accounting for 37% of senior level roles tracked in Q1 2026. This represents an increase in its share compared to Q1 2025, where it constituted 33%, reinforcing Social Services’ position as the dominant driver of nonprofit recruitment. This is consistent with sustained demand for services in areas such as homelessness, disability, and mental health.
Health (16%) and Local Development & Housing (15%) followed as the next most active subsectors. Together, these three subsectors account for over two-thirds of all assignable roles, underscoring how the sector’s recruitment activity remains concentrated in frontline service delivery.
In our Q1 2025 analysis, we noted the potential for a downward trend in hiring for INGOs following USAID funding cuts. When reviewing Q1 year-on-year, activity in the International subsector is steady at 7% of roles (15 roles in Q1 2026 compared to 16 in Q1 2025).
Activity by Role Function
Service Delivery & Operational Management roles remain the most sought-after leadership function, representing 35% of all roles in Q1 2026, although the actual number of roles has decreased from 147 to 79, reflecting a change in how data is gathered.
The most notable shift has been in Finance, which nearly doubled its share from 9% to 17%. This likely reflects increased demand for financial oversight and reporting capability at a time when the public funding landscape is tightening, with Budget 2026 signalling a more restrained approach to government spending and sector bodies calling for more sustainable funding models.
HR (up from 6% to 8%) and Operational Support (up from 5% to 8%) reinforce this broader trend toward investment in internal organisational capacity. Governance and compliance requirements continue to place additional administrative demands on organisations of all sizes, which may be contributing to this shift.
Fundraising & Business Development also grew from 15% to 18%, indicating that income diversification remains a priority as organisations seek to reduce reliance on any single funding source and diversify from government funding.
On the other side, CEO and Executive Director roles fell from 10% to 6.5%, reflecting stabilisation after a period of increased movement last year.
Talent Trend by Role Function Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
While the year-on-year comparison shows a significant contraction in recruitment activity, the quarter-on-quarter picture tells a different story. Total roles increased from Q4 2025 to Q1 2026, suggesting that hiring activity increased after a quieter end to 2025. Growth was seen across most functions, with Service Delivery & Operational Management, Fundraising & Business Development, and Finance all showing increases compared to the previous quarter.
The one exception is CEO and Executive Director roles, which appears to have dipped slightly from Q4 2025 to Q1 2026. This is likely normal quarterly variation rather than an indication of any broader trend.
Activity by Income Type
Data regarding income was available for 145 of the 174 organisations in Q1 2026, as those who advertised anonymously or did not disclose their incomes were excluded.
- 20% (29 organisations) reported annual income of less than €1 million, down from 25% (41) in Q1 2025.
- 48% (69 organisations) reported annual income of between €1 million and €10 million, up from 45% (74) in Q1 2025.
- 32% (47 organisations) reported annual income exceeding €10 million, up from 29% (48) in Q1 2025.
While the number of organisations recruiting has fallen across all income brackets, larger and mid-sized organisations continue to account for the majority of recruitment activity while movement in smaller organisations has decreased. This is consistent with previous quarters, as smaller organisations typically operate with more compact management structures and therefore recruit for senior roles less frequently.
Key Observations
The growing share of Finance, HR, and Operational Support roles suggests organisations are investing in internal resilience, strengthening their financial management, compliance, and operational foundations.
The continued dominance of Social Services, Health, and Local Development & Housing in the subsector breakdown reflects where public need and public funding remain most concentrated.
Overall, the data paints a picture of a sector adapting to a more challenging fiscal environment – prioritising sustainability and back-office capability while maintaining its commitment to core service delivery.
Get in Touch
Our Talent Team records senior roles in the nonprofit sector and produces quarterly insights. To explore previous Nonprofit Talent Trends Reports, visit our Talent Insights page. For more information, contact Shannon Barrett, Principal – Talent Services, at Shannon.barrett@2into3.com.
Irish Sport Industry Awards Announce 2026 Nominees
Our partners, The Federation of Irish Sport is thrilled to announce the shortlist of finalists for the much-anticipated 2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards. Set to take place on Tuesday, 19th May at the prestigious College Green Hotel in Dublin, this event promises to be an exciting evening celebrating the power and impact of sport across Ireland. Adding to the anticipation on the night will be the unveiling of three prestigious individual honours: the Outstanding Achievement & Contribution to Sport Award, the KPMG Women in Sport Award, and the Jimmy Magee (ASJI) Sports Coverage of the YearAward.
The Irish Sport Industry Awards 2026 will be a national platform where sport, diplomacy, and business converge — showcasing how Ireland can turn global sporting connections into real economic growth. Special guest speakers on the night include Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, Minister Charlie McConalogue TD and Minister for International Development and Diaspora, Minister Neale Richmond TD.
Now in its 9th year, the Irish Sport Industry Awards continue to recognise excellence across the sector, with 13 award categories shining a spotlight on innovation, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability. This year sees the introduction of two new categories: Best Initiative to Promote Sustainability in Sport, sponsored by MyWaste.ie, and Best Initiative to Promote Disability in Sport, sponsored by Sport Ireland, reflecting the growing importance of environmental responsibility and accessibility within Irish sport.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said:
“The Federation is delighted to host the 9th annual Irish Sport Industry Awards, recognising and rewarding excellence in the business of sport and entrepreneurship and the immeasurable work being done by our National Governing Bodies in Sport and the National Network of Local Sports Partnerships. The continued growth of these awards, including the addition of new categories focused on sustainability and disability inclusion, reflects the evolving and positive impact of sport on Irish society. From health and education to social inclusion, tourism, and economic development, sport plays a vital role. These awards provide an important opportunity to celebrate the sector’s contribution, including the more than 64,000 people employed across Irish sport.”
Jill Downey, Chief Sponsorship & Sustainability Officer, Core and Chair of the Judging Panel reflected:
“My fellow judges and I were hugely impressed by the continued progression across Irish sport over the past year. The standard of entries reflected an industry embracing innovation, inclusivity, and long-term impact at every level. I’d like to sincerely thank the judging panel for their dedication throughout the process, as competition across many categories was exceptionally strong. It’s an exciting time for Irish sport, with real momentum and ambition driving the industry forward.”
Minister Charlie McConalogue TD, Minister for Sport and Postal Policy, FIS CEO Mary O’Connor and awards MC Broadcaster Sean O’Rourke, pictured at the 2025 awards
2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards – Finalists
Best Commercial Partnership in Sport sponsored by Dublin City Sport and Wellbeing Partnership
- GAA and Irish Life Healthy Clubs Programme
- LGFA and Lidl Ireland #SeriousSupport
- FAI and Sky Bound by Belief
- Athletics Ireland McCabes Pharmacy Fit For Life
Best Use of Communications Platforms in Sport & Physical Activity sponsored by MWX Media Ltd.
- Tennis Ireland Davis Cup & Irish Open
- Badminton Ireland & Sport Narrative AIG VICTOR Irish Open
- Basketball Ireland SpotLight Her
- FAI League of Ireland “It’s a Way of Life”
Best Initiative to Promote Sustainability in Sport sponsored by MyWaste.ie
- Golf Ireland Drive The Green
- GAA Green Club Programme
- Munster Rugby A Different Approach to Impact
- Clare Local Development Company LEADER, SICAP and rural recreation
Best Initiative to Promote Disability in Sport & Physical Activity sponsored by Sport Ireland
- Special Olympics Transforming Lives Through Sport
- Kildare Local Sports Partnership The Kildare Inclusivity Festival
- Swim Ireland Swim Access Project
- Golf Ireland Golf4All
- Liquid therapy Making Waves Project
Best Initiative to Promote Diversity, Equality & Inclusion in Sport & Physical Activity
- Laois Sports Partnership Outdoor Survivalist Camps
- Irish Sailing Watersports Inclusion Games
- Virgin Media, PHD M& Diageo Ireland Audio Description (AD), Irish Sign Language (ISL), and inclusive production
- Wicklow Sports & Recreation Partnership &Trail Criú Building Inclusive Communities Through Trail Running
Best Initiative to Promote Women in Sport & Physical Activity
- Boxing Ireland LEAP Programme
- Canoeing Ireland Bridging the Gap
- Athletics Ireland Girls Squad Programme
- Tennis Ireland Women in Tennis Programme
- Longford Sports Partnership Roma Women CVICINES & SASTO – Sport & Health Inclusion Pilot
Best New Sports Business of the Year
- Grow Sport
- Anyscor
- Colata
- Sports Impact Technologies
Best Sports Business of the Year
- ForeFront group
- FAI LOITV
- Torpey
- DB Sports
Local Sport Partnership of the Year
- Meath Sports Partnership
- Laois Sports Partnership
- Longford Sports Partnership
- Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Sports Partnership
National Governing Body of the Year sponsored by MarshE
- Football Association of Ireland
- Golf Ireland
- Athletics Ireland
- Special Olympics Ireland
Individual Award Winners Announced on the Night:
- Outstanding Achievement & Contribution to Sport Award, presented by the Federation of Irish Sport
- KPMG Women in Sport Award, sponsored by KPMG Ireland
- Jimmy Magee Sports Coverage of the Year Award, in partnership with the Association of Sports Journalists in Ireland
Behind the Judging: Meet the Experts
- Jill Downey, Chief Sponsorship & Sustainability Officer, Core
- Rob Hartnett, Founder, CEO Sport for Business
- Shane Califf, Head of the Organisational Development & Change Unit, Sport Ireland
- Maeve Buckley, Director, Leading Sport
- Ronan McCormack, Group Marketing Manager, Dalata Group Hotel
- Brenda O’Donnell, CEO, Active Disability Ireland
- Tom Fox, Co-Founder of 53Six
- Catherine Tiernan, Commercial Director, Olympic Federation of Ireland
- Stephen Bradshaw, Head of Marketing, Close Brothers Motor Finance
- Ger McTavish, Disability in Sport Lead, Sport Ireland
- Ronan Donagher, Former Head of Games Systems
- Anne McCormack, General Manager Edmondstown GC, former CEO Hockey Ireland
For more on the Irish Sport Industry awards, contact: Clare Louise O’Donoghue, Head of Commercial and Marketing on 086 0437887 or at clarelouise.odonoghue@irishsport.ie. or visit www.irishsportindustryawards.ie
What Fundraisers Want in Their Next Role
To attract and retain fundraisers, nonprofits need more than a competitive salary. Here’s what senior candidates really look for before saying yes.
Irish Sport Industry Awards 2026 Launch
The Federation of Irish Sport proudly launched the 2026 Irish Sport Industry Awards. The awards will take place in Dublin on Tuesday 19th May and be hosted by broadcaster and journalist Sean O’Rourke. This will be the nineth staging of the awards which recognise the invaluable relationship between business and sport in Ireland. The Sport industry in Ireland supports 64,000 jobs, stimulates €3.3 billion in household spending, and generates €3.7 billion (GVA) gross value added to the Irish economy.
This year sees the addition of two new categories:
Best Initiative to Promote Disability in Sport and Physical Activity
This award is to recognise the support of lifelong participation for all in sport and physical activity. It is open to any organisation or enterprise either within the sport industry, or is using sport as a vehicle, which promotes increased inclusion, engagement and participation in sport and physical activity for those with a disability.
Best Initiative to Promote Sustainability in Sport and Physical Activity
This award shall recognise sporting bodies or businesses in the sport or physical activity sector who display a comprehensive strategy to promote sustainability in sport or physical activities to mitigate against environmental impact of their operations or participation of their members.
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said:
“The Irish Sport Industry Awards are an important platform for recognising our member National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships valuable contribution to sport through their initiatives, collaborations and commercial activations. While also spotlighting new and emerging sports tech enterprise innovations, many of whom have gone on to excel in international markets.”
Entries are now open for submission, for a full list of categories, event updates and to enter the awards go to: https://irishsportindustryawards.ie/. Closing date for entries is Thursday, 2nd April 2025.
Get in Touch
For more information, visit the Federation of Irish Sport’s website or contact Clare Louise O’Donoghue, Head of Commercial and Marketing on 086 0437887 or clarelouise.odonoghue@irishsport.ie
Shifting From Operational Focus to Strategic Leadership
Read about how the nonprofit sector can build strategic capacity when it’s structurally designed to operate transactionally.
Nonprofit Talent Trends – 2025 Insights
Learn about the 2025 nonprofit talent landscape, including skill demands, subsector expansion, and leadership movements shaping the sector.
New Year, New Budget – What About Your Ambition?
As you turn your attention to annual budgets and work plans, it’s worth pausing to ask a bigger question – are you also making space for your ambition?
Nonprofit Talent Trends Q4 2025
In Q4 2025, our latest analysis of recruitment activity in the Irish nonprofit sector evidences a decrease in the number of senior management opportunities being advertised versus Q4 of the previous year. Through assessment of a range of websites and job platforms, 2into3 has identified 183 management roles that were advertised by 151 organisations – a 19% decrease compared to 186 organisations in Q4 2024.
Activity by Subsector
In Q4 2024, alike previous years, the trend of organisations advertising roles anonymously remained present. As 22 of the 151 organisations that advertised were anonymous, the breakdown of roles by subsector below is based on 129 known organisations.
Roles by Subsector:
We saw less movement in the Local Development and Housing Subsector, with a 44% decrease in recorded advertised roles (from 41 in Q4 2024 to 23 in Q4 2025) and in the Philanthropy and Voluntarism Subsector, with a 58% reduction in recorded advertised roles versus Q4 2024 (down to 5 in Q4 2025 from 12 in Q4 2024). Other subsectors saw a stable or consistent number of advertised roles.
Activity by Role Function
Our data reveals increased demand for those with Fundraising, Business Development, and CEO skillsets. Fundraising and Business Development saw a small increase from 13% of roles advertised in Q4 2024 to19% of roles advertised in Q4 2025, signalling an organisational focus on investment into diversifying income streams and/or movement of fundraisers within the sector.
The proportion of Service Delivery and Operational Management roles recorded dropped from 51% in Q4 2024 to 38% of recorded roles in Q4 2025, while the proportion of recorded CEO/Executive Director positions doubled, from 6% in Q4 2024 to 12% in Q4 2025, which aligns with the volume of CEO leadership transitions we have witnessed in recent months which has resulted in a more competitive market for boards engaging in CEO recruitment.
Activity by Income Type
Excluding those where such information was not available, either because the role was posted anonymously or the organisation does not disclose its income, noteworthy findings were made regarding the income of 113 known organisations in Q4 2025. Of those, 40 (35%) organisations have an annual income of over €10 million, while 19 (17%) organisations have an annual income of less than €1 million.
Key Observations
Our Q4 2025 data points to a sector in transition, with organisations appearing to prioritise essential strategic leadership and income generation roles over operational expansion.
The doubling of CEO recruitment activity suggests a significant generational shift at the executive level, while the marked increase in fundraising roles indicates that boards are investing in long-term financial sustainability amid an evolving funding landscape.
Posting these findings at the beginning of 2026, we can anecdotally share that we have witnessed renewed momentum and growth within the sector, so while overall volume of recruitment slowed in Q4 2025 versus Q4 2024, this likely reflects a more considered approach to talent investment rather than sector-wide retrenchment.
Get in Touch
Our Talent Management Team monitors senior hiring across the nonprofit sector and publishes quarterly insights. To explore previous Nonprofit Talent Trends Reports, visit our Talent Insights page. For more information, contact Shannon Barrett, Principal – Talent Services, at Shannon.barrett@2into3.com.
