About SECAD Partnership
Founded in 1995, SECAD Partnership CLG is a leading rural and community development organisation promoting social inclusion and sustainable development across South, East, and West Cork, with a growing influence nationally.
SECAD manages a wide range of community-led development programmes, including LEADER, SICAP, Tús, the Rural Social Scheme, LAES, WorkAbility Cork, AMIF, and Community Connection, supporting individuals, families, community groups, and enterprises to thrive.
The organisation also has strong expertise in environmental action, delivering biodiversity initiatives, regenerative agriculture projects, and the pioneering Wild Work programme, which now supports over 60 biodiversity projects each year.
In addition, SECAD is a national leader in coordinating and managing Community Benefit Funds, ensuring that renewable energy investments deliver long-term, meaningful value for communities across Ireland.
What we at SECAD are proud of
In 2025, SECAD celebrates thirty years of direct support and investment in local projects, exceeding €100 million. Over these three decades, our impact has been both broad and long-lasting.
Key achievements include:
• Facilitating more than €100 million in investment directly into local projects
• Supporting 500+ community infrastructure, building and amenity projects, with grants up to €500,000
• Assisting 200+ businesses with training, advice and grants up to €200,000
• Administering Community Benefit Funds in more than 50 locations nationwide
• Promoting social inclusion and supporting 1,200+ people seeking protection since 2022
• Advancing environmental sustainability through the Wild Work initiative and 60+ biodiversity projects each year
• Delivering the Community Food Initiatives Programme, engaging more than 65,000 people across the island
Today, SECAD employs 50 dedicated staff and continues to make a tangible difference in rural communities across Ireland.
Our mission
SECAD is a dynamic and pioneering social enterprise working with diverse stakeholders to provide services, facilities, and investments for community benefit.
Our vision
To be recognised as a leading European development organisation, enabling vibrant, sustainable and inclusive communities, and serving as a benchmark for sustainable rural and local development.
Our values
- Respect – valuing the dignity and diversity of all individuals and communities
- Honesty and integrity – upholding the highest ethical standards
- Inclusion – creating opportunities for everyone to participate and benefit
- Continuous improvement – striving for excellence and innovation
- Leadership – inspiring and empowering positive change
Our guiding principles
- Developmental approach – focusing on long-term, capacity-building solutions
- Collaboration – working with communities and partners to achieve shared goals
- Accountability and transparency – acting responsibly and openly in all decisions
- Sustainability – integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations
- Innovation – embracing new ideas to address emerging challenges
SECAD Partnership area of operations
Local development services (Cork County)
SECAD delivers a broad range of community and rural development programmes across designated regions of Cork County. These services operate from key centres:
Sustainable development services (island-wide)
Beyond Cork, SECAD coordinates major national initiatives, including:
- Community Benefit Funds, supporting more than 50 communities nationwide
- Community Food Initiatives, delivered across the island of Ireland