#OurEUStory Awards 2023

+++ APPLICATIONS CLOSED +++

We'll announce the winners at the ACCESS EUROPE SHOWCASE on 29 November in Dublin! #AEShowcase

The #OurEUStory Awards celebrate the transformational impact that EU-funded projects have on communities and organisations across Ireland.

Agenda
Access Europe Showcase 2023

Access Europe Showcase, 29 November 2023, 11.00am, at Royal Dublin Society.

What is the #OurEUStory Awards?

Take part in the competition and show how EU-funded projects have benefitted your community!

Post a video of up to 140 seconds to your X (formerly Twitter) and/or Facebook page with the hashtag #OurEUStory.

Your video doesn't need to be fancy or professionally shot - it's about telling the story of your EU project journey and sharing your message. Just make sure your video meets the judging criteria outlined in the Terms and Conditions and the FAQ.

The three best entries will win a prize: €1,000 for first place and €500 each for second and third places. We'll award the prizes at our Access Europe Showcase on 29 Nov in Dublin!

  • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    Take a moment to familiarise yourself with the #OurEUStory Terms and Conditions.

  • STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
    Follow this step-by-step guide to submit your #OurEUStory entry.

  • FAQ
    Check out our FAQ for competition info at a glance.

  • CONTACT
    Need help? Please direct any questions about your entry to europe@wheel.ie

Need some inspiration? Check out the #OurEUStory entries from 2022!

Explore the valuable work your peers are doing in communities across Ireland!

Check out the winning #OurEUStory Awards 2022 entries:

1st place: Creative Lives
2nd place: The Peace Link
3rd place: Inniscarra Twinning

Browse entries

Check out the hashtag #OurEUStory on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook to see all entries!

Follow Access Europe on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter!

Timeline

++ APPLICATIONS CLOSED ++

Don't wait til the last minute - submit your entries early so we can share your story far and wide on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for maximum views!

Register for the Access Europe Showcase 2023!

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow this step-by-step guide to submit your #OurEUStory entry.


Step 1:
Brainstorm ideas with your team on how to best tell your EU Story. Make sure to read the Terms and Conditions for the competition rules and guidance on the judging criteria. And don't be afraid to get creative!

Step 2:
Create your video. Remember, it doesn't have to be fancy or professionally shot. It's about telling the story of the impact that EU funding has had on your community and your organisation.

Step 3: Share your video using the hashtag #OurEUStory and tag @EuropeAccess on X (formerly Twitter) and/or @AccessEurope on Facebook so we can share your video far and wide!

Step 4:
Once you've shared your story, copy and paste the URLof your X post and/or Facebook post into the registration form. We will be monitoring X and Facebook, but completing the application form means that we will definitely see your entry, and we will have your contact details so we can keep you up to date on the competition. Please note: your entry will not be considered unless you complete the application form!

Step 5:
Join us for the #OurEUStory award ceremony at our annual Access Europe Showcase on 29 November in Dublin! Details on the Showcase are coming soon but this will be the EU event of the year for Irish civil society, and the chance to win your prize!

FAQ



Please read detailed Terms & Conditions HERE


Who can apply?

The competition is open to civil society organisations based in the Republic of Ireland who are or have been a direct beneficiary of an EU funding programme and have used this funding to deliver a project or activity.

By "civil society" we mean: charities, community and voluntary groups, academic institutions, public bodies, social enterprises and trade unions/professional associations.


How can I apply?

All entries must take the form of a video posted to the entrant’s X (formerly known as Twitter) and/or Facebook page that is no longer than 140 seconds and includes the hashtag #OurEUStory.

See step-by-step guide above and make sure you submit the application form. Please note we cannot take any responsibility for misspelled URLs so please ensure you have reviewed your entry before submission.


WHAT IS THE PRIZE?

Three winning entries (first, second & third place) will win a prize: €1,000 for first place and €500 each for second and third places.


What are the JUDGING criteria?

Please note, the Awards judging panel will be assessing the quality of your entry and not the quality of your EU-funded project.

Judging criteria is:

EU Dimension:
Does the entry demonstrate the value of the EU dimension of the project,and the opportunities that it being an EU project provided? For example, thevalue and opportunities could come from partnership with other countries, crossEuropean exchange and learning, or the possibility to reach a wider audienceand make a greater impact.

Impact:
Does the entry communicate the difference that the project made to the people, communities and organizations involved? Entries should focus on impact rather than project plans or processes. It's not about how you delivered your project, it's about why, and the difference that it made.

Clarity:
Is it clear what this project is about and what it achieved? Could someone with no experience of EU funded programmes understand it? Avoid jargon, excessive text, or superfluous information. It's not about communicating everything about your project, focus on the important points.

Creativity:
You are encouraged to find interesting or creative ways to tell your EU story! Try to make your video engaging and visually interesting.


KEY DATES

12 September 2023: Competition announced

18 September 2023: Applications open

DEADLINE EXTENDED: 3 November 2023 (5pm): Applications close

17 November 2023: Winners selected

December 2023: Winners announced at Access Europe Showcase


Who are the judges?

The judging will be done by a panel of independent judges using the specific judging criteria. 


WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES?
 
The deadline for entries is 3 November 2023 at 5pm IST. Please see timeline above for other key dates.