In 2013 European Year of Citizens, The European Volunteer Centre launched the European Volunteering Capital competition to promote and develop volunteering at the local level. The EV Capital is a Europe-wide open competition that aims to promote volunteering at local level by giving recognition to municipalities that support and strengthen partnerships with volunteer centres and volunteer-involving organisations and celebrate and promote volunteering and the impact made by volunteers. The EVC designation for Sligo followed the hosting by leading EU cities including Barcelona – 2014, Lisbon – 2015 and London in 2016.
The yearlong designation and programme of activities was managed in partnership by Sligo County Council and Sligo Volunteer Centre. The steering committee for Sligo EVC was chaired by the Chief Executive of Sligo County Council.
