Community Connect Fund opens for 2026 with €150,000 for groups in Kilkenny and surrounds

St Canice’s Credit Union staff celebrating the launch of the 2026 Community Connect Fund

placeholder image — St Canice’s Credit Union staff celebrating the launch of the 2026 Community Connect Fund

Fund has previously supported over 140 organisations, including Graignamanagh Rowling Club, Conahy Shamrocks and Windgap Tidy Towns

St Canice’s Credit Union has launched the 2026 Community Connect Fund, making €150,000 available to community groups and organisations across its branch network, including Kilkenny, Bagenalstown, Callan, Piltown, Graignamanagh, Ballyragget, Durrow, Mountrath, and Rathdowney.

The Community Connect Fund is designed to champion projects that deliver meaningful, long-lasting benefits to local people. Since its inception in 2017, the fund has supported over 140 organisations, including Graignamanagh Rowling Club, Community Radio, Conahy Shamrocks and Windgap Tidy Towns.

This announcement comes in a year where St Canice’s Credit Union reached an important milestone - more than €1 million has now been given back to the community through a combination of Community Connect funding, sponsorships, and donations.

Launching the St Canice’s Credit Union Community Connect Fund for 2026: Carmel Butler (CEO), Stephen McLaughlin (Chair), Avilene Casey (Vice Chair)

Earlier this year, St Canice’s hosted the national launch of the Irish League of Credit Unions’ ‘For Communities’ report, which highlighted the contribution credit unions continue to make across the island of Ireland, including over €8 million given back to local communities in 2025 alone.

“We are extremely proud of the positive impact St Canice’s Credit Union continues to make in the communities we serve,” said Carmel Butler, CEO of St Canice’s Credit Union. “We have seen first-hand the growth, change, and real improvements that emerge when local groups are given the support they need. And importantly, every euro we give back is made possible through our members.

"By saving and borrowing with their local credit union, they enable us to invest directly in the projects, services, and initiatives that matter most. The more our members choose to stay local with their finances, the more we can reinvest into strengthening our communities."

Community Connect Fund recipients, Piltown Community Enterprise Board

St Canice’s Credit Union is now calling for a broad and diverse range of applications from organisations of all sizes, large or small, from arts to sports, social enterprises, heritage, environmental projects, youth initiatives, and everything in between. Projects with collaboration, shared facilities, or cross-community benefit are especially welcomed. The Credit Union is seeking projects that will deliver visible, sustainable improvements and enhance community wellbeing for years to come.

Applications are now open, with full details available on the St Canice’s Credit Union website.