Westport Credit Union launch Community Fund of €100,000

A €100,000 Community Fund has been launched by Westport Credit Union with clubs, organisations, and societies now being invited to apply.

The huge fund is to be made available to a wide range of groups operating in the ‘common bond’— that is, Westport, Newport, Louisburgh, and surrounding areas—and engaged in activities that benefit the community.

“We are delighted to be able to offer this substantial new funding,” said Pauline Ryan, Chief Executive of Westport Credit Union.

“This money comes from our 2023 surplus. As a community-based bank with deep roots in the community, it is important that this surplus goes back to the community.”

The creation of the Community Fund which coincides with Westport Credit Union’s 60th anniversary is separate to the sponsorship and financial supports with which the credit union has long been associated.

Groups involved in social, cultural, sporting and other activities which benefit people in the area, are eligible to apply to be considered for grants from the Community Fund.

Pauline Ryan and Tommy Gill of Westport Credit Union.

Board decision

The decision to create the Community Fund was taken by the Board of Westport Credit Union at the end of 2023.

Chairman Tommy Gill said the initiative is designed to have a positive impact on a significant number of people in Westport and the surrounding areas.

“It is a substantial amount of money, and the Board gave a lot of thought to how it could be used to benefit the most people in the community served by Westport Credit Union,” he said.

“There are many organisations and volunteers doing incredible work to improve the lives and wellbeing of a lot of people in this area—and there is no doubt that this Community Fund will help some of them with perhaps a new project, initiative or service that they’d like to undertake if they had the money for it.”

Applications for a share of the €100,000 fund are now open. Applicants must use the application form which they can get on-line at www.westportcu.ie/community-fund or at the branches in Westport, Newport and Louisburgh.

The application should be made on behalf of an organisation or group, applications on behalf of individuals will not be considered.

The closing date for the first round of applications is April 30 next, and for a second round is September 30.

“We want to hear from those clubs and societies who share the values of the credit union. The activities we’re talking about are those that will benefit the community, reflect the interests of our members and contribute to the development and advancement of our communities,” added Ms Ryan.