Johnny Sheehan of The Wheel on Advocacy, Funding and Collective Voice
On Disability Matters, John Comiskey spoke with Johnny Sheehan, Member Engagement Manager with The Wheel — the national organisation representing community and voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises across Ireland.
With more than 2,600 member organisations in every county, The Wheel serves as both a support system and a collective voice for a sector that touches almost every community in the country.
“We’re a membership organisation,” Johnny explained. “Our role is to ensure that our members feel connected, supported and represented — whether they’re a large national charity or a small community group.”
A Collective Voice for 2,600 Organisations
Founded in 2000, The Wheel emerged from a recognition that Ireland’s community and voluntary organisations needed a shared space — somewhere to collaborate, advocate and strengthen their impact.
Today, its membership spans a wide spectrum: disability services, mental health supports, arts organisations, animal welfare groups, domestic violence services, local development companies and more.
“What many of them share,” Johnny said, “is the need to connect with one another and to have a strong, unified voice around issues like sustainable funding and regulation.”
Through networks, town halls and annual surveys, The Wheel ensures that policy and advocacy work is shaped directly by the lived realities of its members.
Funding, Sustainability and Innovation
One of the most pressing concerns across the sector is sustainable funding.
“Organisations grow because communities need them,” Johnny noted. “But funding doesn’t always grow at the same pace.”
To address this, The Wheel provides practical tools and guidance, including:
▪️ FundingPoint — a searchable database of over 800 grant opportunities
▪️ Access Europe — Ireland’s national support service for EU funding programmes
▪️ Training and governance supports
▪️ Policy advocacy around sustainable funding and balanced regulation
Johnny also highlighted the newly launched New Solutions Social Innovation Hub, which offers pilot grants of €70,000–€100,000 for innovative projects promoting inclusion, equal opportunities and employability for disadvantaged groups.
“Social innovation is about testing new ideas that can make a real difference,” he explained. “It might be something completely new — or something that’s never been tried in Ireland before.”
Community at the Heart of Democracy
Each year, The Wheel hosts its annual Summit — the largest gathering of community and voluntary organisations in Ireland.
This year’s theme, Community at the Heart of Our Democracy, reflects a growing recognition that civil society plays a critical role in protecting human rights and strengthening social cohesion.
Following the Dublin riots in 2023, The Wheel convened a two-day Social Cohesion Dialogue, bringing together leaders from across the sector to explore how organisations can collaborate to build stronger, more connected communities.
“We know the value of the work happening on the ground,” Johnny said. “The question is how we support organisations to work together even more effectively.”
Measuring Impact
Demonstrating impact is central to The Wheel’s mission.
Through research, member surveys and storytelling initiatives such as the We Act campaign, the organisation works to highlight the real-life change created by community and voluntary organisations — change that many people benefit from without even realising it.
“People may not always see the infrastructure behind the services they use,” Johnny reflected. “But the community sector is deeply embedded in everyday life in Ireland.”
How to Join
Membership of The Wheel is free for organisations with an annual income under €25,000, with tiered fees thereafter.
Joining is simple via:
📧 info@wheel.ie
📧 membership@wheel.ie
📞 01 454 8727
Johnny encourages organisations unsure about membership to reach out directly.
“I’m always happy to have a conversation,” he said. “It’s about finding out if The Wheel is the right fit for your organisation.”
As the conversation concluded, one message stood out clearly: strong communities depend on strong collaboration.
And behind thousands of organisations working quietly and effectively across Ireland, The Wheel is helping to ensure their voices are heard.
This interview aired on Disability Matters on 92.5 Phoenix FM, a programme produced by Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL).
Tune in to Disability Matters Thursdays at 4PM | Repeats: Mon 3AM, Tue 3AM & 7AM | Also available on Mixcloud.
Read more: Strengthening Ireland’s Non-Profit Sector: A Conversation with The Wheel