SECAD Partnership CLG
SECAD Partnership CLG is an Irish non-profit community development organisation founded in 1995 that delivers employment, enterprise, community development, biodiversity, and social inclusion programmes in Cork and nationally, funded by government, EU, and private partners including 12+ renewable energy companies.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1995
- HeadquartersMidleton, Ireland
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What SECAD Partnership CLG does
SECAD Partnership CLG is an Irish non-profit community development organisation founded in 1995 and headquartered at the Midleton Community Enterprise Centre in County Cork, with additional offices in Macroom and Skibbereen. The organisation operates as a designated Local Development Company delivering a portfolio of state, EU, and privately funded programmes spanning community development, employment support, business and social enterprise development, climate action and biodiversity, and social inclusion. Core programmes include SICAP employment supports, Tús community workplace placements, the Rural Social Scheme, the Local Area Employment Service (delivered with Cork City Partnership), WorkAbility Cork (launched September 2024 with Cork Chamber), the WREN women's rural entrepreneurship network (with Ballyhoura Development), the Wild Work biodiversity initiative, the €7 million ACE EIP project launched in October 2025, and the Community Food Initiatives programme administered on behalf of Safefood since 2016.
SECAD's commercial logic is structured as managed services for institutional funders rather than a traditional product business. The organisation acts as a Grant Making Organisation (GMO) administering Community Benefit Funds on behalf of more than 12 renewable energy companies including EirGrid, ESB, Bord na Móna, NTR, Amarenco, EDF Renewables, RWE, and Statkraft, overseeing funds across 50+ sites nationally; notable mandates include the €2.4 million Celtic Interconnector fund (2023-2026) and the €1.53 million North Connacht 110 kV Project fund (anticipated 2025-2028). Revenue derives from government programme administration contracts, EU programme funding (ESF, Erasmus+), private funder contracts (Safefood, renewable energy companies), and fees for fund administration, while all services to end beneficiaries — individuals, community groups, and small businesses — are free at the point of use. The underlying technology is light: a website, an Online Learning Hub at training.secad.ie, and a configurable online application system for Community Benefit Fund management, with no proprietary AI or platform layer.
SECAD Partnership CLG firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SECAD Partnership CLG
- Legal name
- SECAD Partnership CLG
- Website
- https://secad.ie
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1995
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- SECAD Partnership CLG is an Irish non-profit community development organisation founded in 1995 that delivers employment, enterprise, community development, biodiversity, and social inclusion programmes in Cork and nationally, funded by government, EU, and private partners including 12+ renewable energy companies.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SECAD Partnership CLG industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Community Development Services
- NAICS
- Civic and Social Organizations (8134), Community Food Services (624210), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC)
Keywords
Where SECAD Partnership CLG is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Midleton
- HQ country
- Ireland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices3 records
Markets served
SECAD Partnership CLG business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Government Programme Administration: SECAD manages and administers a wide range of community-led development programmes on behalf of local and national government, including LEADER, SICAP, Tús, Rural Social Scheme, LAES, WorkAbility Cork, AMIF, and Community Connection. Funding comes from government departments and EU programmes.
- Community Benefit Fund Administration: SECAD administers Community Benefit Funds on behalf of renewable energy companies (EirGrid, ESB, Bord na Móna, NTR, Amarenco, EDF Renewables, RWE, Statkraft, and others), overseeing funds for over 50 sites across Ireland. Revenue comes from administration fees for managing these funds.
- Safefood Community Food Initiatives Administration: SECAD administers the Community Food Initiatives (CFI) programme on behalf of Safefood, working to promote access and availability of healthy and safe food in low-income areas.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Other | Free services to eligible community members and organizations |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels9 records
SECAD Partnership CLG product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SECAD Partnership CLG is a not-for-profit community development organisation that delivers government, EU and privately-funded programmes covering community development, employment support, enterprise and tourism, social inclusion, climate action and biodiversity, and wellbeing across Cork and Ireland. It also acts as a national Grant Making Organisation, administering Community Benefit Funds on behalf of renewable energy companies across 50+ sites. All end-beneficiary services are provided free to eligible participants.
Product overview
SECAD Partnership CLG is a community development organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programmes and services. The core offerings include community development support (networks, facilities, strategic planning, training), employment services (SICAP, LAES, WorkAbility Cork, Skills Training, Tús, Rural Social Scheme), enterprise development (Start Your Own Business, WREN, Ring of Cork, Social Enterprise), and environmental initiatives (Wild Work biodiversity programme, ACE EIP, Community Food Initiatives, Regenerative Agriculture). The Online Learning Hub provides digital training, while Community Benefit Funds Management serves as a national fund administration service. These services operate across Cork County with national reach for Community Benefit Funds and Community Food Initiatives.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- WorkAbility Cork: Inclusive Pathways to Employment programme supporting people with disabilities to access employment, self-employment, education, training, personal development and confidence building.
- WREN
- Wild Work
- Ring of Cork
- SICAP
- Community Food Initiatives (CFI)
- ACE EIP
Products and services
- Community Benefit Funds Management Fund administration service for renewable energy companies managing Community Benefit Funds across 50+ sites in Ireland, including application portals, Local Evaluation Panels, due diligence, payments and reporting for partners EirGrid, ESB, Bord na Móna, NTR, Amarenco, EDF Renewables, RWE, Statkraft and others.
- SICAP Employment Supports Free employment support services under the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, providing workshops and one-to-one guidance in CV writing, interview preparation, career coaching, and job-readiness training across South Cork locations for unemployed individuals and disadvantaged groups.
- WorkAbility Cork Inclusive employment pathway programme supporting people with disabilities to access employment, self-employment, education and training through one-to-one coaching, mentoring and skills training, delivered in partnership with Cork Chamber.
- Local Area Employment Service (LAES) One-to-one guidance service for long-term unemployed individuals referred by Intreo Offices, delivered in East and West Cork through main offices and outreach centres as an INTREO Partner.
- Tús – Community Workplace Initiative Community work placement initiative providing 52-week placements for Jobseekers Allowance recipients at community and voluntary organisations, managed locally by SECAD Partnership with annual placements of around 240 people.
- Rural Social Scheme Programme providing income support to low-income farmers and fishermen while placing participants in community projects for 19.5 hours per week, managed by SECAD in South Cork.
- WREN – Women's Rural Entrepreneurial Network Training and mentoring programme delivered in partnership with Ballyhoura Development supporting women to become self-employed or develop early-stage businesses through networking, workshops, and guest speaker events.
- Wild Work Biodiversity initiative engaging corporate partners through tailored packages for corporate social responsibility and employee engagement, supporting pollinator corridor development with communities, schools and farms in the Cork Harbour catchment area.
- ACE EIP – Arable Coast Environment Four-year European Innovation Partnership project bringing together farmers, scientists, ecologists and communities to trial biodiversity improvements supporting farmland bird species including the Hen Harrier, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Department of Housing.
- Community Food Initiatives Safefood-funded programme administered by SECAD since 2016, promoting access to healthy food in low-income communities using a community development approach, engaging over 65,000 people across the island of Ireland.
- Ring of Cork Tourism brand and networking platform connecting tourism businesses across South and East Cork, providing networking, training programmes and digital marketing support to members.
- Fostering Integration Integration support services for new communities providing information, training, healthy eating events, and cultural integration through food festivals and community activities.
- Skills Training Jobseeker training programmes across construction (Safe Pass, Manual Handling), food safety (HACCP Level 2), and healthcare (Level 5 qualification), delivered in partnership with Ballyhoura Development.
- Community Development Services Supporting community networks, facilities, strategic planning for villages and towns, and capacity building training for community groups across Cork.
- Online Learning Hub Online platform offering webinars and courses in wellbeing, jobseeking skills, starting a business, citizen science, community group resources, and migrant support materials.
- Start Your Own Business Support Pre-start-up and early-stage enterprise support including enterprise training, Back to Work Enterprise Allowance guidance, business planning, and access to LEADER grants for new and existing small businesses and social enterprises.
Quantifiable outcome
- Over €100 million invested directly into local projects over 30 years
- +6 more outcomes
Companies that use SECAD Partnership CLG
Customer profileNamed customers18 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles12 records
SECAD Partnership CLG technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
SECAD Partnership CLG partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
21 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the MarinecoreFunding partner for ACE EIP (Arable Coast Environment) project providing €7 million jointly with Department of Housing over four years to improve biodiversity on coastal farms.
- National Parks and Wildlife ServicemajorSupporting organization for ACE EIP project focused on protecting Hen Harrier and other birds of conservation concern.
- Cork ChambercorePartnership with Cork Chamber for WorkAbility Cork programme. Cork Chamber encourages employers to adopt diversity and inclusion policies, facilitate partnerships between disability advocacy organisations and businesses, develop supported employment programmes through job coaches and tutors, and highlight incentives for hiring individuals with disabilities.
- Ballyhoura DevelopmentcoreSECAD in partnership with Ballyhoura Development delivers the WREN (Women's Rural Entrepreneurial Network) programme for women entrepreneurs through online networking sessions and workshops.
- Cork City PartnershipmajorSECAD collaborates with Cork City Partnership in delivery of Local Area Employment Service (LAES). Cork City Partnership is the lead partner for LAES spanning the city and county of Cork.
- Ballyhoura Development (Healthcare)minorSECAD is a partner in a Healthcare Opportunities training project with Ballyhoura Development providing Healthcare Assistant Level 5 qualification programme specifically aimed at women who have been out of the workforce.
- European REGINA Project PartnersmajorSECAD joined 7 other rural development stakeholder groups across Europe for REGINA Erasmus+ project creating educational content on regenerative agriculture. European partners from Hungary, Italy, Slovenia and Greece.
- Wild Work Corporate PartnersmajorWild Work initiative launched with support from 32 of the largest employers across sectors including Tourism, IT, Pharma, Clean Technologies in Cork Harbour catchment area for corporate social responsibility and employee engagement programmes.
- SafefoodcoreSECAD has administered the Community Food Initiatives (CFI) programme on behalf of Safefood since 2016. The programme promotes access and availability of healthy and safe food in low-income areas using a community development approach.
- EirGridcoreSECAD administers Community Benefit Funds associated with major EirGrid infrastructure projects including the Celtic Interconnector (€2.4 million fund) and North Connacht 110 kV Project (€1.53 million fund), supporting local communities near new grid developments.
- ESBcoreSECAD manages a wide range of ESB Wind and Solar Community Benefit Funds across Ireland, supporting communities near operational and emerging renewable energy projects. Began with ESB Wind Farm Community Funds in 2015.
- Bord na MónamajorSECAD manages funds associated with joint ESB and Bord na Móna renewable energy projects including Oweninny Wind Farm and Timahoe North Solar Farm.
- NTRmajorSECAD oversees funds linked to NTR renewable projects in multiple counties, supporting environmental actions, community facilities and local development initiatives.
- AmarencomajorSECAD manages funds for Amarenco's solar developments, enabling communities near these sites to access support for sustainability projects and community-led initiatives.
- EDF RenewablesmajorSECAD administers funds associated with EDF's solar projects, helping neighbouring communities access support for social, environmental and local development work. Coolroe Solar Farm fund supported Wexford schools.
- RWEmajorSECAD administers funds linked to RWE renewable projects in Ireland, supporting local initiatives, community wellbeing and sustainability efforts.
- StatkraftmajorSECAD manages funds for Statkraft renewable projects, supporting communities located near new energy developments across Europe.
- Sliabh Bawn Power DACminorSECAD manages the fund associated with Sliabh Bawn's renewable operations, supporting community enhancement and environmental projects.
- Vantage RenewablesminorSECAD oversees funds connected to Vantage solar developments, helping support community projects and local sustainability actions.
- Oriel / ParkwindminorSECAD will administer funds for future Oriel/Parkwind offshore and onshore renewable energy projects in Ireland.
- AllianzminorSECAD partners with Allianz for renewable energy community benefit fund administration.
Scale indicators18 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights4 records
SECAD Partnership CLG competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- IRD Duhallow: Integrated Rural Development company based in Cork/Kerry delivering community development, LEADER, SICAP, and rural employment programmes. Highly comparable as a designated LDC operating geographically adjacent to SECAD with overlapping rural development mandate.
- Ballyhoura Development CLG: Another designated Local Development Company in Ireland delivering SICAP, LEADER, Tús, and Rural Social Scheme programmes in the Ballyhoura region. Directly comparable as a fellow Irish LDC under Pobal oversight, and a confirmed SECAD partner on WREN and Healthcare Opportunities programmes.
- Avondhu Blackwater Partnership CLG: Local Development Company serving North Cork delivering SICAP, LEADER, Tús, and RSS programmes. Directly comparable to SECAD as a Pobal-administered LDC providing community development services in an adjacent Cork region.
- Wexford Local Development: Designated Local Development Company delivering SICAP, LEADER, and rural development programmes across County Wexford. Compares as a peer LDC with similar programme portfolio and community development mandate, and is also active in Community Benefit Fund administration.
- Leitrim Development Company: Designated Local Development Company in Ireland delivering SICAP, LEADER, and community enterprise programmes. Comparable as a peer LDC with similar operational model, government programme delivery, and rural community focus.
- South West Mayo Development Company: Integrated Local Development Company in the West of Ireland delivering LEADER, SICAP, Tús, and rural social enterprise programmes. Directly comparable as a designated LDC navigating similar government programme administration and community development model.
- Donegal Local Development Company CLG: Large Local Development Company in Donegal with broad SICAP, LEADER, community development, and enterprise support programmes. Comparable to SECAD as a designated LDC with similar multi-programme structure and renewable energy engagement in their region.
- Cork City Partnership: Lead partner for Local Area Employment Service (LAES) in Cork city and county, working alongside SECAD in service delivery. Compares directly on employment support, social inclusion, and community development programmes in the same Cork geography.
Others
- Wind Energy Ireland: Industry representative body for the Irish wind energy sector, including Community Benefit Fund policy advocacy. Comparable as an ecosystem participant shaping the renewable energy community benefit framework that SECAD administers.
Broad incumbents
- Pobal: Not-for-profit company that manages funds and programmes on behalf of the Irish Government, including oversight of SICAP and other community development programmes. Comparable as the overarching administrator and funder for many of SECAD's programmes.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
SECAD Partnership CLG social profiles
Digital presenceSECAD Partnership CLG compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
SECAD Partnership CLG financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SECAD Partnership CLG leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles17 records
SECAD Partnership CLG funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SECAD Partnership CLG M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SECAD Partnership CLG
What does SECAD Partnership CLG do?
SECAD Partnership CLG is a not-for-profit community development organisation that delivers government, EU and privately-funded programmes covering community development, employment support, enterprise and tourism, social inclusion, climate action and biodiversity, and wellbeing across Cork and Ireland. It also acts as a national Grant Making Organisation, administering Community Benefit Funds on behalf of renewable energy companies across 50+ sites. All end-beneficiary services are provided free to eligible participants.
Is SECAD Partnership CLG a public or private company?
SECAD Partnership CLG is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was SECAD Partnership CLG founded?
SECAD Partnership CLG was founded in 1995. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is SECAD Partnership CLG based?
SECAD Partnership CLG is headquartered in Midleton, Ireland, in the Europe region.
How does SECAD Partnership CLG make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Government Programme Administration is the primary driver. The others are community Benefit Fund Administration and safefood Community Food Initiatives Administration.
Who are SECAD Partnership CLG's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are IRD Duhallow, Ballyhoura Development CLG, Avondhu Blackwater Partnership CLG, Wexford Local Development, Leitrim Development Company, South West Mayo Development Company, Donegal Local Development Company CLG and Cork City Partnership. Wind Energy Ireland is listed as an others. Pobal is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does SECAD Partnership CLG have an API?
No public API is recorded for SECAD Partnership CLG.
What industry is SECAD Partnership CLG in?
SECAD Partnership CLG's product category is Community Development Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGALAC, Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts). Its NAICS code is 8134 and its SIC code is 8300.