Community lender supports groups in Kilkenny to grow impact

Social Enterprise Community Finance Ireland (CFI) has been helping sports clubs, community projects, faith-based groups, and other voluntary organisations in Kilkenny to more than triple their impact in the last year.  That’s according to its Social Value Report 2023, which states that for every euro it loaned, a value of €3.69 in social return was achieved. 

Since 2001, CFI has committed more than €110 million to hundreds of voluntary organisations throughout Ireland, funding initiatives that make a difference in local communities.  The multiplier effect of the funding has enhanced groups’ delivery on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their local area, in particular, “Innovation & Infrastructure”, and “Health and Wellbeing”. 

In Gowran, Kilkenny, CFI funds were used by Gowran On The Move, to continue development of its outdoor hub. The space prioritises safety and inclusivity and features a 300-metre walking and running track, multi-use courts for tennis, basketball, and football, and an inclusive playscape for all ages and abilities.

Between January and December 2023, CFI loaned a total of €3.2 million to 33 organisations across Leinster.

The analysis was calculated by economic development specialists Rose Regeneration using its Social Value Engine (SVE). Rose Regeneration’s SVE is used by public bodies across the UK and follows several key steps when calculating a loan’s social value, such as examining agreed project outcomes, to give them a financial value.

CFI Group Chief Executive Dónal Traynor said calculating the social return of their investments helped the charity understand the wider impact its loans were having.

“We’re delighted to see how this report reflects the positive impact our loans have on the wider community and how they support our clients to achieve the SDGs.

“For more than two decades, CFI has been helping sports clubs, community projects, faith-based groups, and social enterprises to make a difference and we strive to create a lasting social impact in every community on the island.”

Speaking about the support from Community Finance Ireland, Denis Hynes Chairperson, Gowran On The Move said:

"We’re beyond excited to finally see our long-term vision start to rise from the ground. We truly believe this one-of-a-kind project will inject fresh energy into the heart of the Gowran community."

For more information about CFI, visit communityfinanceireland.com.