Wexford Community Groups Encouraged to Explore Social Finance for Local Projects

Youth organisations, sports clubs, community groups and voluntary organisations across County Wexford are being encouraged to consider social finance as a way of progressing local projects.

Community Finance Ireland says social finance loans can help organisations cover the upfront costs of projects, particularly where grant funding is paid retrospectively.

The charity and social enterprise provides loans exclusively to third-sector organisations including community groups, charities, sports clubs and social enterprises.

One group to benefit is Renmore Scout Group in Galway, which used finance from the organisation to refurbish its Scout Den and purchase a new van.

The funding allowed the group to upgrade facilities, including new showers and toilets, while the van is being used to transport members, leaders and equipment to camps and events.

Community Finance Ireland says its model is designed around supporting community organisations, with repayments helping to fund other volunteer-led groups.

CEO Dónal Traynor said organisations across Wexford are delivering important work in their communities and encouraged groups considering new projects or improvements to explore whether social finance could work for them.

He said the organisation can support voluntary groups seeking finance for facilities, equipment and other projects aimed at delivering a lasting benefit to their communities.