Irish Development Education Association

What Irish Development Education Association does

IDEA (Irish Development Education Association) is a registered Irish charity (RCN 20144517, CHY 16504) founded in 2004 and headquartered at 6 Gardiner Row, Dublin 1. It operates as the national network for Global Citizenship Education (GCE) in Ireland, working with 114+ member organizations and individuals across the development education, NGO, formal education, adult and community education, youth, higher education, and trade union sectors. Its mission is to strengthen and champion GCE through collaboration, professional learning, research, policy engagement, and advocacy, with primary funding from a multi-year strategic partnership with Irish Aid.

IDEA's core product surface is a coordinated set of sector-strengthening services rather than a discrete commercial offering. These include the Code of Good Practice for Development Education (the first such framework globally), the Theory of Impact for GCE collective impact measurement tool, the Critical Reflection Tool, a public Resource Hub, the IDEA Podcast, a webinar series, the annual conference (2026 theme: Education for Liberation), training and knowledge-share events, four working groups (Formal Education; Adult & Community Education; Quality & Impact; Development Education on Palestine), the Innovation Magazine "The Catalyst," and an advocacy toolkit supporting Pre-Budget Submissions and Oireachtas engagement. Distribution is direct via membership, with digital self-serve access to resources and an international policy footprint through UNESCO, GENE, CONCORD, and the North-South Centre.

The business model combines a primary public-sector grant (Irish Aid strategic partnership), tiered membership subscriptions (€15-€1,500 annually depending on organization size), event and conference ticket revenue (€5-€110 per ticket), and ad-hoc research consultancy income (e.g., a €6,000 commission with Concern Worldwide in 2026). GTM is community-led, with growth driven through advocacy, events, working group participation, and partnerships rather than outbound sales. Headcount is small (1-10), and the organization operates on hybrid arrangements from its Dublin city centre office.

Name

Irish Development Education Association

Legal name

Irish Development Education Association

Website

https://ideaonline.ie

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

IDEA is Ireland's national network for Global Citizenship Education, supporting 114+ member organizations across NGOs, schools, and community educators through training, advocacy, and sector frameworks since 2004.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Development Education and Global Citizenship Education Network Services

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710), Business Associations (813910), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Intergovernmental Education Cooperation & Bilateral/Multilateral Programs (EDADALAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical Cooperation, Capacity Building & Policy Advisory Programs (BPADABAO), United Nations System & Specialized Agencies (BPADAAAA), Open Assessments & Question Banks (OER-aligned) (EDAGAJAD)

Keywords

• Global citizenship education
• Development education
• Membership network services
• Nonprofit advocacy training
• Education sector capacity building

Headquarters

HQ city

Dublin

HQ country

Ireland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: IDEA generates revenue through annual membership fees from organizational and individual members, with fees structured by organization size (ranging from €15 for unwaged/students to €1,500 for organizations with income above €5 million).
2. Conference and Event Revenue: Revenue from ticket sales for annual conferences and training events, including member discounts.
3. Irish Aid Strategic Partnership Funding: Core funding from Irish Aid (Ireland's international development agency) through a multi-year strategic partnership programme supporting the GCE sector in Ireland.
4. Research Consultancy: IDEA commissions research consultancies, such as the €6,000 consultancy on Global North-South partnerships in GCE conducted in partnership with Concern Worldwide.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

IDEA is the national network for Global Citizenship Education (GCE) in Ireland, providing membership-based services, advocacy, training, events, and resources to 114+ member organizations. Its core offerings include the Code of Good Practice for Development Education framework, Theory of Impact for GCE measurement tool, annual conferences, professional development training, working groups, podcasts, webinars, and an online Resource Hub. The network coordinates sector-wide capacity building, policy engagement, and collaboration across NGOs, schools, youth organizations, and adult education providers in Ireland.

Product overview

IDEA (Irish Development Education Association) operates as a national network organization rather than a traditional product company. Its core offering is a platform of services for the Global Citizenship Education sector in Ireland, including membership network services, training and events programmes, the Code of Good Practice framework, a Resource Hub, annual conferences, the Theory of Impact measurement tool, podcasts, webinars, and advocacy resources. These offerings work together to strengthen and champion Global Citizenship Education through collaboration, professional learning, research, policy engagement, and advocacy across over 100 member organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• IDEA Network Services The IDEA Network offers membership, advocacy representation, working groups, professional learning, and coordination services to 114+ member organizations across Ireland's Global Citizenship Education sector.
• Training & Events Programme Capacity development offerings including workshops, training sessions, conferences, and knowledge shares on Global Citizenship Education topics for practitioners and educators.
• Code of Good Practice for Development Education A framework developed by IDEA members to define and assess quality standards in Development Education, including self-assessment tools and guidelines. The first such framework of its kind globally.
• Theory of Impact for GCE A collective impact measurement tool developed by IDEA members to help organizations assess and articulate the collective impact of Global Citizenship Education work.
• Resource Hub A digital repository containing Development Education resources, reports, guidelines, case studies, and educational materials for the sector.
• IDEA Annual Conference IDEA's flagship annual gathering bringing together educators, activists, and practitioners to explore themes in Global Citizenship Education.
• Working Groups Collaborative member groups focusing on Formal Education, Adult & Community Education, Quality & Impact, and Development Education on Palestine.
• IDEA Podcast Audio content featuring conversations and storytelling about Global Citizenship Education through voices from across the IDEA network.
• IDEA Webinars Online learning sessions exploring contemporary issues through a Global Citizenship Education lens, featuring expert speakers and practitioners.
• Advocacy & Policy Resources Tools, briefings, and advocacy materials supporting policy engagement for Global Citizenship Education at national and international levels.
• The Catalyst Innovation Magazine IDEA's innovation magazine showcasing creativity and progress in the Global Citizenship Education sector.
• Critical Reflection Tool Developed by the Quality and Impact Working Group to encourage practitioners to reflect on their role in social, cultural, political and economic structures.

Quantifiable outcome

• 361,211 people reached through Irish Aid's Global Citizenship Education programme 2024/2025
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Concern WorldwidecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIDEA and Concern Worldwide jointly commissioned a research consultancy exploring best practice in equitable Global North-South partnerships in Global Citizenship Education. The €6,000 consultancy runs from September-December 2026, with findings to be shared at an IDEA learning workshop.
• TrócairesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIrish development organization partnered with IDEA, appearing in footer and mentioned as member organization.
• DevelopmentEducation.iesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerIDEA is a member of the Management Consortium of www.developmenteducation.ie, the online hub for Development Education resources, activities, and learning support.
• Liverpool World CentresupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerExternal evaluator for IDEA's 2022-26 programme, conducting final evaluation and needs analysis exercise for IDEA's next five-year programme.
• WorldWise Global SchoolssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization developing resource library for Post-Primary Teachers on Sustainable Development Goals and GCE approach in curriculum.
• National Youth Council of IrelandsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization providing resource library for global justice and youth work through their Development Education Programme.
• SaoltasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization developing resources for Adult and Community Education sector around Sustainable Development Goals.
• Bridge 47 ProjectsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean project on Global Citizenship Education partnerships with cross-sector collaboration including business, media, public health, policy makers, museums, and adult education.
• ComhlámhsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember organization and partner in Guidelines for producing Development Education resources and advocacy work.
• Africa Solidarity Centre IrelandsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatured in IDEA Conference 2026 workshops on Freirean dialogues and collective action, supporting migrant and African diaspora communities.
• United NationssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerUN Sustainable Development Goals Target 4.7 underpins IDEA's work on Global Citizenship Education for sustainable development, human rights, gender equality, and global citizenship.
• UNESCOsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNESCO's Global Citizenship Education is a strategic area building on Peace and Human Rights Education, with IDEA aligned to these frameworks.
• GENE (Global Education Network of Europe)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of Ministerial departments and state agencies with national responsibility for Development Education. IDEA participates in peer reviews and shares policy learning across 40+ ministries and agencies from 25+ countries.
• CONCORDsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean Confederation of Relief and Development NGOs, representing 2,600+ NGOs. Global Citizenship Education is one of its priority focuses, with IDEA connected through shared advocacy work.
• North-South Centre (Council of Europe)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean Centre for Global Interdependence and Solidarity empowering civil society through intercultural dialogue and global citizenship education.
• Galway Climate Inspirations FestivalsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerIDEA partnered with the award-winning Galway Climate Inspirations Festival 2026 for a special feature conversation with President Michael D. Higgins.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• National Youth Council of Ireland: NYCI is a member of IDEA and a development education partner focused on youth work. It overlaps with IDEA in the youth segment and on GCE content for non-formal education.
• WorldWise Global Schools: WorldWise Global Schools is an Irish Aid-funded programme for post-primary schools integrating GCE. It is a focused sister-programme operating in one of IDEA's key vertical segments (formal education).

Direct peers

• Comhlámh (Irish Volunteer Sending Agencies): Comhlámh is an Irish NGO membership network for development workers and volunteers, with a Development Education programme. Both organizations are Irish NGO networks focused on development education and joint advocacy.
• Bridge 47 Project (Fingo): Bridge 47 is a European Commission-funded global project on GCE partnerships across sectors, run by Fingo. IDEA is an active partner, making it a directly comparable GCE network programme with overlapping member organizations.
• GENE (Global Education Network of Europe): GENE is a network of 40+ ministries and state agencies from 25+ countries with national responsibility for development education. IDEA participates in GENE peer reviews, making it a directly comparable supranational network focused on GCE coordination.
• Centre for Global Education (Northern Ireland): The Centre for Global Education is an island-of-Ireland counterpart NGO providing development education resources, training, and policy work. It directly mirrors IDEA's mission on a smaller geographic scale.
• CONCORD (European Confederation of Relief and Development NGOs): CONCORD is a European confederation of 2,600+ NGOs with GCE as a strategic priority. IDEA collaborates with CONCORD on shared advocacy, making it a directly comparable network NGO in the GCE/development space.
• Dóchas (Irish Association of Non-Governmental Development Organisations): Dóchas is the Irish umbrella network of 60+ NGOs working on international development. It is a directly comparable Irish NGO membership network that IDEA members also belong to and that operates in overlapping policy and advocacy territory.

Broad incumbents

• North-South Centre of the Council of Europe: The North-South Centre is a European institution focused on global interdependence and solidarity through intercultural dialogue and GCE. IDA partners with it, making it a broader incumbent that convenes comparable civil society actors.
• UNESCO (Global Citizenship Education): UNESCO sets the global framework that IDEA's work aligns with. It is the broader incumbent that defines GCE norms and convenes state and non-state actors, including IDEA, around SDG 4.7.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/idea.ireland
• Instagraminstagram.com/ideadevelopmenteducation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/irish-development-education-association
• Xx.com/IDEAIreland

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Irish Development Education Association