First Choice Credit Union are delighted to launch a €100,000 Community Fund with clubs, groups and societies now being invited to apply.
The fund is available to a wide range of groups involved in social, cultural, sporting, environmental, educational and charitable activities operating in First Choice Credit Union’s ‘common bond’ and who are engaged in activities that benefit the community. First Choice Credit Union’s common bond covers Achill, Balla, Ballyhaunis, Castlebar, Swinford and surrounding areas. The decision to create the Community Fund was taken by the Board of First Choice Credit Union and approved at the 2023 Annual General Meeting.
Commenting on the launch, Anne King, C.E.O. of First Choice Credit Union said: “We are delighted to now welcome applications for a share of our €100,000 Community Fund. It is a substantial amount of money which will have a positive impact on so many people throughout our common bond. As a community-based financial co-operative with community at the heart of all that we do, it is further evidence of our commitment to the local communities we serve.”
The new Community Fund is for larger scale projects and initiatives that will benefit the wider community and is separate to the sponsorship and financial supports that First Choice Credit Union has long been associated with. These smaller sponsorships and financial supports will continue to be issued by the Credit Union.
Commenting on the launch of the Community Fund, Chairperson Joe Butler said, “The sum of €100,000 is a significant amount of money, and we as a Board and Credit Union are delighted to deliver on our promise of giving back to the local communities served by First Choice Credit Union.”
“There are many wonderful organisations who do incredible work on a daily basis and could do more if funds were more widely available. We want to hear from clubs, community groups, environmental groups, schools and societies and we encourage all those eligible to apply before the deadline of 31st May 2024.” said Joe.
Applications for a share of the €100,000 fund are now open. Applications can be submitted through the First Choice Credit Union online form: COMMUNITY FUND ONLINE APPLICATION FORM or by completing a form which is available in any First Choice Credit Union office in Achill, Balla, Ballyhaunis, Castlebar or Swinford.
The application should be made on behalf of an organisation or group. Applications on behalf of individuals will not be considered. A full list of terms and conditions are available at www.firstchoicecreditunion.ie.
The closing date for the first round of applications is 31st May, 2024. A second round will be announced later in 2024.