Forward Emphasis: Rooted in Community, Driven by People
Giving Back Is Part of Who We Are At Forward…
The jump from University to the professional world can feel daunting – Donegal Giving is a possible option to help bridge that gap. Most third level students feel the pressure to dive straight from college into their career. In the current job market that is becoming increasingly difficult. Employers are looking for graduates who not only know their field but who can show real-world experience too. It is almost imperative for students now to have some sort of experience in their field prior to nailing down the job they want after graduation (Make it make sense for me.. How do we get experience without a job, how do we get a job without experience?).
This is the cycle so many students feel stuck in, and it is exactly why initiatives like Donegal Giving are so important. Donegal Giving is creating an environment where mentorships, internships and student placements are made possible county wide, breaking down the barriers that often make the transition from study to work seem impossible.
There are of course many amazing companies already doing this and Donegal Giving will add to value of how that might happen.
Donegal Giving is a not for profit organisation based in Donegal. It centres around giving, be it your time, resources, knowledge or skills. At its heart, the initiative is about bringing people together to share what they can, whether big or small. It is focused on celebrating and building a culture of giving within community groups, business, local enterprises, education centres and much more.
The Donegal Giving launch takes place in An Grianan on the 6th of November 2025, and marks the first major step in making this vision a reality.
The launch comes in partnership with ATU, who will also present a European project they have been working on.
The Civic Labs for Young People (CLYP) is an initiative which aims to support the development of young people’s self confidence and resilience as the key factors for civic and social engagement.
The event will be an excellent way for students, charities and businesses alike to mingle and build connections in a networking environment.
The potential of Donegal Giving is endless, opportunities including but not limited to internships, student placement’s, mentorships, volunteering, sharing of time and talent will all be made possible. These collaborations could pave the way to help projects and partnerships well into the future.
This launch is especially important for students. Meeting with people who are currently working in a role you are studying towards allows you to get a personal insight into your preferred field. Networking in this way may even lead to placements or internships that students would never have discovered otherwise. Sometimes all it takes is one conversation to open a door that changes the course of your career.
Engaging in these opportunities not only strengthens communication and social skills, but also transforms classroom learning into real-world experience. According to educational research, students who complete internships are more likely to succeed academically and professionally because they can connect theory to practice in meaningful ways. (Boosting Academic Performance with Internships). Taking that first step into networking and placements can be the turning point in a student’s journey, giving them the confidence to carry what they’ve learned into any professional environment.
Students also gain from professional advice, mentoring, and the opportunity to create incredible networks. The core idea of Donegal Giving is reflected in this reciprocal sharing of abilities and knowledge: a cycle in which each party contributes something and receives something in return. Two ATU students interned with Donegal Giving in th4e set up of this project and it is an excellent depiction of Donegal Giving in action as the founder, Evelyn created an opportunity and shared her wisdom, knowledge and guidance throughout.
This hands-on involvement shows how Donegal Giving is not just an idea, but something that is already being lived out and experienced in real time.
The Donegal Giving Launch, which will take place at An Grianan Theatre on November 6th 2025, will be the first significant milestone in this journey. It will set the tone for what Donegal Giving hopes to achieve, a celebration of what is already in place with a desire for a stronger, more connected community where giving is at the centre of growth and opportunity.
