Support Us

Lough Carra Catchment Association (LCCA) is an environmental charity and with no core funding, so we rely on fundraising and on the generosity of our supporters to make a difference. All of our work is conducted by volunteers, including our Board who are all volunteers and give up their time for free.

The LCCA has no employees and relies on funding from fundraising and partner organisations to support volunteers, fund consultants and external experts to help us delivery projects and initiatives.  With your help we have developed an Education and Awareness Programme that includes school workshops, annual pond-dipping field trips on the lake for local schools and engagement events in our area.  We have also produced several information booklets and leaflets which are distributed free of charge to members of the public through local events, libraries and schools.

There are many ways you can support our projects whether as an individual, group or business.

Make a donation

You can make a donation to the Lough Carra Catchment Association and support our work using the button below. All donations, no matter how large or small, go to support our work and 100% of your donation goes to support our projects and initiatives.

Fundraise

We’d love your help to raise money to support our work and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has taken time over the years to fundraise for us. Whether you are taking on your next running challenge, want to swim in every lake in Ireland, plan to hike across the country or climb Kilimanjaro you could help raise vital funds for our projects.

Maybe you’re planning a less energetic fundraising plan like asking relatives to donate in lieu of a wedding or birthday gift, or would like to hold an event to help promote our work – we’ll support you in any way we can.

Just contact us with your event plans and we’ll do our best to support you, supporting us.

If you plan on raising funds and collect sponsorship online we can help you set up your fundraising page so you can promote your event and raise money through Justgiving or Mycharity.ie. Contact us at funding@loughcarra.org and find out how we can support you.

Become a Business Friend

Become a LCCA Business Friend for as little as €10 per month. As a Business Friend to the LCCA you can join an active business community supporting environmental awareness, practical conservation and environmental education in south Mayo. Whether you are a local business or international business, your support will help us undertake more transformational projects in our area.

Your Business Friend membership will help us:

• raise awareness of the challenges facing the lake and its lakeshore habitats
• promote the enjoyment of the lake’s environment by all sectors of society
• help conserve one of the Ireland’s most unique and significant water bodies and surrounding landscape
• ensure that the local community are engaged and informed about this unique landscape and its care;
• promote and encourage sustainable and environmentally sensitive land use practices
• help reduce the degree of pollution of all water bodies within the catchment
• actively work together to promote the rich and diverse natural, archaeological and cultural heritage of the area both locally and national.

As a Business Friend you’ll enjoy:

• Your company logo on our website and link to your business
• Inclusion of any events or news on our regular e-newsletters
• Your business mentioned where possible as our supporter

We really appreciate your support so to become a Business Friend contact us at funding@loughcarra.org

Become an LCCA Benefactor

By becoming an LCCA benefactor you are supporting a local, volunteer led charity which focusses on increasing education and awareness of the unique ecosystems,  landscape and habitats that make up the Lough Carra catchment. Our work involves education, advocacy, practical conservation and scientific research and your support can help us inspire more people to connect with the are and identify their role in safeguarding the habitats, biodiversity, amenity value and water quality of the lake and its catchment.

As an INDIVIDUAL BENEFACTOR you can donate:

As an INDIVIDUAL BENEFACTOR you will enjoy

• The knowledge that you are making a meaningful contribution to a truly unique landscape and nationally important habitats
• An invitation to each of our local events;
• Public acknowledgement of the support offered where possible and desire.

Make your donation go further  – tax effective giving.  All donations over €250 are tax deductible, so your money goes further.

Corporate Sponsorship

We’re keen to develop lasting partnerships with local business and the corporate sector and create opportunities for your organisation to make a vital contribution.

If you become a Corporate Partner you will:

• Help us promote the unique values of the lake and raise awareness of the challenges it faces
• Provide support for our education programme which aims to connect with every school and community in the catchment
• Contribute to our conservation project and community education initiatives, as well as supporting our volunteers across our projects
• Help us reach new audiences locally, nationally and internationally
• Enhance your corporate image, your business ethos and values by demonstrating your commitment to biodiversity, heritage, community and charity
• Help inspire your network, including your employees, and demonstrate the values of an ecologically conscious and conscientious business committed to biodiversity and nature conservation.

Tax Effective Giving?

The Lough Carra Catchment Association is an eligible charity and is listed on Revenue.ie with an assigned Charity number (Registered Charity No.20206138 ).  From April 2001, tax relief has been available on donations of €250 or more in any one tax year to eligible charities from corporate donors.

How much does your company have to give?

A minimum of €250 or more in one year either as a one-off donation or as a monthly payment (equivalent to €20.83 per month) for example, through a standing order can be donated to the Lough Carra Catchment Association.  To receive the tax relief on your donation please view the necessary information on www.revenue.ie

One Percent for the Planet

In 2024 The Lough Carra Catchment Association became an Environmental Partner with the One Percent for the Planet initiative. One Percent for the Planet is an international organization whose members contribute at least one percent of their annual revenue to environmental causes to protect the environment. Created by the founder of Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies, the initiative encourages more businesses to donate 1% of sales to environmental groups.

In 2024 The Lough Carra Catchment Association became an Environmental Partner with the One Percent for the Planet initiative. One Percent for the Planet is an international organization whose members contribute at least one percent of their annual revenue to environmental causes to protect the environment. Created by the founder of Patagonia, Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies, the initiative encourages more businesses to donate 1% of sales to environmental groups.

If you own a business, please consider joining 1% for the Planet, and naming the Lough Carra Catchment Association as your beneficiary

Find out more about 1% for the Planet