Why Sharing Your Story on Donegal Giving Really Matters
Before we talk about why you should share your story,…
At Forward Emphasis, community has always been at the heart of who we are. From the day we opened our doors in Inishowen in 2000, we’ve been supported by our community who believed in us long before we grew into the company we are today. That support shaped us and it’s why giving back isn’t a corporate initiative here. It’s part of our identity.
Over the years, charitable giving has become woven into the fabric of our organisation. It’s something we’ve built deliberately and proudly, not as a once-off gesture but as a continuous commitment. In 2025 alone, our team selected the causes that mattered most to them and together we donated more than €15,000 to charities across our community.
Our commitment also goes beyond funding. Through our Business in the Community partnership with our local secondary school, we work directly with young people in Inishowen, offering mentoring, career guidance and real-world insights to help them take confident steps toward their futures. It’s a programme our staff are deeply passionate about and it reflects our belief that supporting the next generation is one of the most meaningful ways we can give back to the community that has supported us since day one.
In 2025 when our 25th anniversary arrived, we knew exactly how we wanted to celebrate, by honouring the people who make Forward Emphasis what it is: our staff. We asked them to nominate charities close to their hearts and the response was immediate and personal. From those nominations, ten organisations were selected to receive €250 each, chosen entirely by the people who know our community best.
Towards the end of 2025, we had the privilege of meeting the incredible individuals behind these charities. We heard stories of resilience, compassion and quiet dedication. We saw first-hand how local groups, often run by volunteers, change lives every single day. And we were reminded that giving back isn’t just about donations. It’s about connection, gratitude and showing up for the people who show up for others.
As part of our 25th Anniversary Celebrations the charities chosen by our team included:
💙 Scoil Treasa Naofa, Malin Autism Class
💙 Croí Heart & Stroke Charity
💙 The Gavin Glynn Foundation
💙 Friends of Inishowen Hospice Cancer Support Services
💙 Hughie’s Corner
💙 Anam Cara (Letterkenny)
💙 Cancer Care North West
💙 Insight Inishowen
💙 Trinity Court – Newtowncunningham
💙 Jigsaw
Each one represents a story, a family, a need and a member of our team who wanted to give something back.
It reminded us that our success is rooted in the community that has supported us over the last 25 years. And it reaffirmed something we’ve always believed: when giving is driven by people and community, it’s powerful.
