In a time when communities continue to face uncertainty and rising pressures, St. Canice’s Credit Union remains a constant and reliable presence – supporting members, strengthening local initiatives, and reinvesting directly into the areas it serves. St. Canice’s Credit Union is delighted to launch the 2026 Community Connect Fund, making €150,000 available to community groups and organisations across its branch network, including High St. 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, helping a wide range of initiatives including Ossory Youth, Kilkenny Aqua Canoe Club, SOS Dementia Café and Freshford Community Playground. This year, St. Canice’s remains committed to supporting projects that reflect its values and make a real, sustainable impact.
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. In addition, St. Canice’s was proud to host the national launch of the Irish League of Credit Unions’ ‘For Communities’ report earlier this year, which highlighted the extraordinary contribution credit unions continue to make across the island of Ireland, including over €8 million given back to local communities by credit unions 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.”
St. Canice’s Credit Union encourages 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: www.stcanicescu.ie
