Irish Men's Sheds Association

What Irish Men's Sheds Association does

The Irish Men's Sheds Association (IMSA) is a registered Irish charity and company limited by guarantee (CRO No. 4993940, Charity No. 20078581, Revenue CHY No. 19928) founded in 2011 to support and coordinate the Men's Sheds movement across the island of Ireland. Headquartered in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, the organisation provides operational, programmatic, and representational support to 484+ community sheds, through which an estimated 10,000-12,000 men engage weekly. Its service population is primarily older, retired, widowed, isolated, or carer men, with secondary audiences including health professionals, local communities, and corporate partners seeking CSR engagement. Ireland holds the world's highest number of Men's Sheds per capita.

IMSA's core offerings are non-software programmes delivered through physical shed locations, anchored by the flagship Sheds for Life 10-week health and wellbeing programme (covering heart health checks, mental health workshops, exercise, and nutrition) and supported by Sheds for Life partners including the Irish Heart Foundation, Mental Health Ireland, HSE, Marie Keating Foundation, Irish Cancer Society, Diabetes Ireland, Specsavers, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, and others. Auxiliary products include Shed-Cast (official podcast), The Good Bike Project (with Irish Red Cross), Slí Men's Health Week walks, Walking Football, Digital Literacy training (with Age Action), Daffodil Benches, and the Elephant in the Room mental health initiative. The technology layer is limited to a website, Shed Finder directory, interactive Shed Map, and social media channels — there is no proprietary platform described.

IMSA's revenue model is that of a multi-channel charitable organisation. Income is derived from Irish government grants (notably the €1M SSNO award in 2023 and 2025 from the Department of Rural and Community Development, plus HSE, Department of Health, and Sláintecare Integration funding), individual donations (one-off, monthly, in-memory, legacies/bequests via the Charitable Donation Scheme with up to 45% tax rebate on donations ≥€250), and corporate partnerships (Adman Steel Sheds 10-year partnership contributing €50,350 in 2026; Flogas Ireland; Ireland Funds; The Hospital Saturday Fund). No fees are charged to shed members. The organisation is governed by a board chaired by Dylan MacDonald and led by CEO Enda Egan (appointed February 2021).

Name

Irish Men's Sheds Association

Legal name

Irish Men's Sheds Association Clg

Website

https://menssheds.ie

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Irish Men's Sheds Association is a registered Irish charity founded in 2011 that coordinates 484+ community Men's Sheds across Ireland, supporting 10,000-12,000 men weekly through social connection, skills sharing, and health programmes. It is funded by government grants, donations, and corporate partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Men's Shed Network and Men's Health Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Community Housing Services (62422)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC), Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

Keywords

• Men's health programs
• Community shed networks
• Charitable health initiatives
• Social wellbeing support
• Volunteer community spaces

Headquarters

HQ city

Dublin

HQ country

Ireland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Donations: Individual donations received via the website (one-time or monthly giving options). Donation amounts include €10, €20, €50, €100 or custom amounts. Also includes in-memory donations.
2. Tax Back Giving / Charitable Donation Scheme: The Charitable Donation Scheme allows IMSA to claim a tax refund of up to 45% on donations of €250 or more in any given year. A once-off donation of €500 generates a rebate worth €225 to IMSA, totaling €725. Monthly donations of €20 (€240/year) are worth €348 through the scheme.
3. Legacies and Bequests: Individuals can leave a gift in their will to IMSA - either a percentage of their estate, a cash sum, or specific property/items. IMSA is registered as Charity No. 20078591 for legacy purposes.
4. Government Grants: Core funding from Government of Ireland through Department of Rural and Community Development (Scheme to Support National Organisations - SSNO), Department of Health, HSE, and Sláintecare Integration funding. In 2023-2025, €1 million in grants distributed to support shed running costs (€3,000 per shed).
5. Corporate Partnerships: Corporate Social Responsibility partnerships with companies including Flogas Ireland, Adman Steel Sheds (10-year partnership), and others. Partners support through donations, sponsorships, and cause-related marketing. Adman Steel Sheds has raised over €175,000 for community causes through Lean Factory Tours, including €50,350 to IMSA.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels13 records

Core offering

The Irish Men's Sheds Association supports a network of 480+ community Men's Sheds across Ireland where men gather for social connection, skills sharing, and health support. The organization delivers health and wellbeing programmes including the flagship Sheds for Life (a tailored 10-week programme with health checks, mental health workshops, nutrition, and exercise) alongside The Good Bike Project, Shed-Cast podcast, Walking Football, Water Safety, and Digital Literacy workshops. IMSA also provides operational support, resources, and Shed Support Volunteers to help individual sheds operate effectively.

Product overview

The Irish Men's Sheds Association operates a network-based community support model rather than a single software product. The core offering is the Men's Sheds movement itself - a network of over 480 community spaces where men can connect, share skills, and improve their wellbeing. Supporting this network are health and wellbeing programmes including the flagship Sheds for Life Programme (a 10-week tailored health intervention), Shed-Cast podcast (official podcast for sharing stories and health information), and specialized initiatives such as The Good Bike Project, Daffodil Benches, Slí Men's Health Week walks, Walking Football, Water Safety workshops, and Digital Literacy training. The organization also provides operational support services including Shed Finder directory, Shed Support Volunteers network, and setup guidance for new sheds.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sheds for Life: A tailored 10-week Health and Wellbeing programme brought to Sheds nationwide, designed in collaboration with Men in Sheds to facilitate ways for men to enhance their wellbeing.
• The Good Bike Project
• Shed-Cast
• Slí - Men's Health Week

Products and services

• Sheds for Life Programme A tailored 10-week Health and Wellbeing programme brought to Sheds nationwide, offering Exercise, Food and Nutrition, Heart Health checks and variety of workshops to Men in their own Sheds with Spring and Autumn deliveries. Has reached every county in the Republic, including 146 Sheds and nearly 2,000 men with nearly 1,400 heart health checks.
• The Good Bike Project A community bicycle refurbishment and donation project in partnership with the Irish Red Cross and cyclist Paul McQuaid. The project gathers, repairs, cleans and donates old bikes to those in need (primarily newly arrived refugees). Nearly 4,000 bikes donated to date.
• Shed-Cast (Official Podcast) The official podcast of IMSA sharing shedder stories, events, activities, and interviews with healthcare professionals about men's health matters.
• Daffodil Benches Initiative A health and wellbeing initiative providing memorial benches that create spaces for conversation and connection about cancer and men's health.
• Slí - Men's Health Week Annual initiative during Men's Health Week (15-21 June) where Men's Sheds across Ireland organize Walk & Talk events, Slí walks, Cuppa & Chat gatherings, and community exercises to promote physical activity and social connection.
• Shed Support Services Support, resources and information provided to shed members and volunteers, including Shed Support Volunteers in each county, essential documents for running a shed, and a Health & Wellbeing toolbox.
• Shed Finder and Map An online directory and interactive map enabling users to locate their nearest Men's Shed across Ireland, with 450+ registered sheds available across all provinces.
• Shed Setup Guidance A five-step guide and resources for establishing new Men's Sheds, covering information evenings, working groups, premises acquisition, insurance, and registration with IMSA.

Named customers9 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• PobalcoreTechnology or IntegrationPobal administers the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO), which is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Rural and Community Development. IMSA is supported by Pobal.
• The WheelcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational infrastructure organization for voluntary and community organisations in Ireland. IMSA partner providing organizational support and resources.
• Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment body supporting sustainable energy. Partner in IMSA's sustainability initiatives.
• Irish Heart FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides heart health checks for Sheds for Life programme including blood pressure, pulse, cholesterol, glucose, weight, BMI, and carbon monoxide testing for smokers.
• Mental Health IrelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint webinars on mental health and wellbeing for men. Delivers 'Shedders Building Wellbeing' workshops as part of Sheds for Life programme.
• Marie Keating FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Men's Cancer workshops as part of Sheds for Life. Works with Irish Cancer Society on cancer prevention and early detection for men.
• Irish Cancer SocietycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Men's Cancer workshops covering testicular, prostate, lung, skin, and bowel cancer awareness and prevention.
• SpecsaverscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides educational workshops on eye health and hearing as part of the Sheds for Life programme.
• Dental Health FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides Teeth & Mouth Health workshops for Sheds for Life, focusing on oral health as men age.
• Diabetes IrelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDelivers Diabetes Prevention Workshop as part of Sheds for Life to increase awareness and show ways to reduce risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Alzheimer Society of IrelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDementia: Understand Together partnership providing dementia awareness workshops covering signs, symptoms, communication tips, and supporting shedders with early-stage dementia.
• Irish Hospice FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides Bereavement & Loss workshop for Sheds for Life, helping shed members learn about grief and how to support fellow shedders after a loss.
• Men's Aid IrelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides support for male victims of domestic violence/coercive control, offering confidential services under the Sheds for Life umbrella.
• Family Carers IrelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides workshop on guidance and support for men caring for loved ones with additional care needs. Highlights that 2 in 5 family carers are men.
• Age & OpportunitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for Walking Football workshops and Bealtaire Festival 'Celebrating Arts and Creativity as We Age'. Also partnered on Senior Access programme.
• Age ActioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides free Digital Literacy course with one-to-one tuition as part of Sheds for Life programme.
• Water Safety IrelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides Water Safety Workshop as part of Sheds for Life, including theory and practical components on drowning prevention.
• Elephant in the RoomcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNew partnership announced to encourage and support more people to have conversations about mental health. Both organizations share the priority of mental health support.
• Parkrun IrelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFree weekly community events for all ages. Shedcast interview conducted with Jenny Branigan from Parkrun Ireland. Partnership encourages shed members to participate in walking, running, or volunteering.
• Irish Red CrosscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in The Good Bike Project, collecting, repairing, and donating old bicycles to refugees and those in need. Nearly 4,000 bikes donated to date.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Pieta House: Irish charity providing free therapy for people in suicidal distress and engaging in self-harm. Adjacent: comparable HSE funding streams, comparable demographic overlap on male mental health/suicide (80% of Irish suicides are men), but delivers clinical therapy rather than community social interventions.
• The Wheel (Irish National Association for Community & Voluntary Organisations): National infrastructure body supporting community and voluntary organizations in Ireland. Listed as IMSA's infrastructure partner; comparable as a national umbrella body for the Irish community/voluntary sector with overlapping funder relationships and training programs.

Emerging players

• Age & Opportunity: Irish national organization supporting positive ageing. Comparable audience (older adults), parallel funding streams (HSE Healthy Ireland), and direct operational partnership with IMSA on Walking Football and Bealtaine Festival — overlap in programs and target.
• Men's Health Forum (UK & Ireland): Advocacy and information charity addressing male health inequalities across UK and Ireland. Comparable mission around men's health outcomes, late presentation issues, and policy advocacy — operates in adjacent space to IMSA's Sheds for Life programme.
• ALONE: Irish national charity supporting older people to age at home, addressing loneliness and isolation. Comparable mission (combating isolation among older adults), comparable Irish funding base (HSE, philanthropy), and overlapping intervention models even though delivery is via support services rather than physical community spaces.

Broad incumbents

• Movember Foundation: Global men's health charity focused on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention. Comparable as a major men's health awareness and funding organization, though operating at much greater scale and focusing on awareness/fundraising rather than community spaces.

Direct peers

• UK Men's Sheds Association: Charity supporting Men's Sheds across the UK with focus on older men's wellbeing and combating isolation. Most direct international peer given common model, Commonwealth/governmental funding parallels, and similar demographic focus.
• Australian Men's Shed Association: The originating national organization for the Men's Shed movement, established in Australia before Ireland launched its own in 2009/2011. Directly comparable: nationwide shed network, similar health and social-connection mission, similar volunteer-led model.
• Scottish Men's Sheds Association (Scottish Sheds): Scottish umbrella charity for Men's Sheds within the UK network. Directly comparable national umbrella structure: sheds as grassroots community spaces, government-funded (Scottish Government), focused on men's health and social connection.

Regional players

• Active Retirement Ireland: Irish membership organization for retired and older adults providing social, educational and recreational programs. Highly comparable membership/community model serving similar demographics, with overlap in local group networks across Ireland.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/irishsheds
• Facebookfacebook.com/irishmensshedassociation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/irish-men-s-sheds-association
• Instagraminstagram.com/irishsheds

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Irish Men's Sheds Association