KCU Community Fund

Supporting the community

The objective of our Community Fund is to provide for social, cultural or charitable purposes within the Community.

Applications are invited for the following:

• Standard Community Fund (up to €5,000)
• Strategic Impact Fund (over €5,000)

see T&Cs for details.

Applications for 2026 are now closed.

At Kilrush Credit Union, supporting our community is at the heart of everything we do. Our Community Fund was established following a decision by members at our 2024 Annual General Meeting to invest a portion of the credit union's surplus directly into local communities. Rather than distributing a small dividend that would have had limited impact for individual members, members chose to create a fund that would support projects and initiatives delivering lasting benefits across West Clare.

The result is the Kilrush Credit Union Community Fund, an initiative designed to help local clubs, schools, voluntary organisations and community groups, within our Common Bond, deliver projects that make a meaningful difference. Whether it's improving community facilities, supporting education, promoting health and wellbeing, encouraging participation in sport, or celebrating local culture and heritage, the fund helps community organisations turn their plans into reality.

We welcome applications across a number of different sectors:

Arts & Culture
Sport & Physical Activity
Youth Engagement
Community Development
Environmental Sustainability
Education & Training
Health & Wellbeing
Social Enterprise & Innovation
and others

If you are part of a club, group, or organisation, you may be interested in applying for funding. This could help you achieve your goals and make a positive impact on our community.

IMPORTANT DATES

2026 COMMUNITY FUND IS NOW CLOSED.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for a share of our Community Fund, simply click the button below to download the application form and return it to us by email to claire@kilrushcreditunion.ie or post/drop it into our office in Kilrush.

Please complete the form to the best of your ability. Supporting documentation may be required.

Community fund application form

Our Community Fund is built on fairness, transparency and accountability. All applications are assessed in line with our published Terms & Conditions, so we strongly encourage groups to review the criteria carefully before applying — particularly in relation to project eligibility and funding conditions.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Please note that terms & conditions apply. It is essential to read the terms & conditions prior to application.

Community fund T&Cs

Why We Created the Community Fund

The Community Fund is a member-led initiative that reflects the credit union philosophy of people helping people. By investing surplus funds back into local organisations and community projects, members chose to create a lasting impact that benefits the wider community and strengthens West Clare for future generations.

2025 Community Fund in Action

Our 2025 Community Fund brought incredible ideas to life across our common bond. From practical improvements to shared spaces to inclusive initiatives that ensure everyone feels welcome, each project reflected the heart, dedication and community spirit of the people behind it.

We were proud to support these organisations and to see firsthand the positive difference their work is making for families, volunteers and local communities. The projects below showcase just some of the impact achieved in 2025 — a reminder of what’s possible when communities come together with a shared purpose.

Recipients of the 2025 Community Fund:

Moneypoint AFC
Kilballyowen Development
Doonbeg Community Development
Seol Sionna
Kilmurry Ibrickane Community Centre
Kilrush Parish Community Centre
Kilmurry McMahon Community Centre
Kilrush Community Garden

Kilmurry Ibrickane Community Centre

Doonbeg Community Development

Kilballyowen Development

Kilrush Community Garden

Kilrush Parish - Community Centre

Kilmurry McMahon Community Centre

2026 Community Fund in Action

Our 2026 Community Fund continues to make a positive difference across West Clare, supporting local clubs, schools, voluntary groups and community organisations. From sport and education to culture, heritage and community development, these organisations are making a real difference in the places we call home. The 2026 Community Fund is another example of Kilrush Credit Union’s commitment to supporting local initiatives that benefit our members, our communities and the wider common bond.

In 2026, Kilrush Credit Union is proud to support:

Kilkee Golf Club
Doonbeg International Jazz Festival
Knockerra National School
Carrigaholt Development Association
St Kieran’s Community Centre
Kilrush Rangers AFC
Shannon Gaels GAA Club
Killimer GAA
West Clare Currach Club
Kilrush Bridge Club
Kilrush Rugby Club