Tullamore Credit Union increases Community Support Fund to €300,000

TULLAMORE Credit Union has announced a significant increase in its Community Support Fund for 2026, raising the total available funding from €100,000 to an impressive €300,000.

The Community Support Fund is one of the key ways in which Tullamore Credit Union gives back to its members and the wider community.

The increase reflects another very strong financial year for the credit union and demonstrates an ongoing commitment to supporting local groups and initiatives.

Eileen Brophy, Chair of the Board of Directors at Tullamore Credit Union, said: “As a Board, we take our responsibility to our members very seriously. Each year, we carefully review our financial performance and decide how much can be allocated to the Community Support Fund. This year’s increase to €300,000 is a direct result of a very successful year and allows us to broaden the level of support we can offer across our community.”

With the increased funding, Tullamore Credit Union has made some changes to how the fund operates. While the credit union remains committed to supporting smaller community projects, it also recognises the importance of investing in larger projects that deliver long-term benefits and positively impact a greater number of members.

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Interest in the fund has never been higher. This year, 212 applications were received, the highest number since the fund was established.

All applicants must be located within the credit union’s common bond area, which stretches from Daingean to Tyrellspass, Kinnitty, Tullamore Town and Kilcormac, and all projects must be of benefit to the local community and its members.

With the increase in funding, we carried out an external governance review, which has resulted in a number of improvements to our application and adjudication process.

These changes are designed to ensure transparency, consistency, and clarity in decision-making.

All applicants received confirmation of their application along with an invitation to one of two presentation events, one taking place on Wednesday 22nd April at 7pm and a second event scheduled for Saturday 25th April at the credit union’s Patrick Street office.

Each application has been reviewed and scored in line with governance guidelines.

Smaller Fund applications do not require supporting documentation, while applications under the Capital and Pilot Programme require comprehensive documentation due to the larger funding amounts involved.

A key change this year is that not all applications will be successful. Successful applicants will receive funding subject to specific terms and conditions to ensure that funds are used as outlined and to allow Tullamore Credit Union to remain involved with projects over a longer period. Funding may not be offered if you do not attend on the night, if you are unable to attend please arrange for a proxy to attend on your behalf, or notify the marketing team in advance of your non-attendance.

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This offer of funding may include progress updates or participation in publicity around the projects. Groups will be asked to consider these conditions carefully before accepting funding, as receiving support from the fund may limit future applications for a period of three to seven years.

The credit union team looks forward to welcoming all our members on both dates.