Funded by a loan from Community Finance Ireland (CFI), this redevelopment marks a significant milestone for the arts charity. The updated 7,500 square-foot facility now accommodates a diverse range of printmaking techniques, including etching, screen printing, and lithography, while offering expanded services such as free monthly workshops and open days aimed at fostering inclusion.

Emma Drury, Director of Seacourt Print Workshop said,

“We’re proud to play a part in Bangor’s cultural regeneration and our central location makes us more visible and accessible, enabling us to double our programming and support the community in new ways.”

Phelim Sharvin, Head of Community Finance Ireland NI, commended Seacourt for its transformative vision:

“This project aligns perfectly with our mission of driving positive social change. By supporting Seacourt, we’re helping to create a vibrant, inclusive space that enriches the community.”

The project’s success highlights the collaborative potential of social finance, arts, and community resilience.

If you want to take part in any of the upcoming events at Seacourt you will find everything you need here.

The post Printmaking Hub Opens New Chapter for Arts and Community in North Down appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

Two of their boxers triumphed on the night with Cahir Gormley being crowned the 67kg champion and Matthew McCole coming away with not only the 71kg title but was also announced as the Best Boxer of Championship.

Speaking about his win, Cahir said:

“It’s a big win for me. I won schoolboy titles and probably fell short around youth level, but I kept at it, kept working hard and it’s starting to pay off now. I want to be one of the best elites- that’s what I’m aiming for. We’re going to the top, this is only the start of it.”

This sense of determination and ambition is one shared throughout the club. Cahir’s teammate Matthew McCole, who was also victorious on the night, had disappointing performance at last October’s Irish elites, and wasn’t sure whether he had any future in the sport. But with the support of the Illies Golden Gloves coaches he was encouraged to continue competing. Matthew remarks:

“I boxed poor in the last Irish elites, I didn’t know what I was going to do after that. Them boys at the Illies Golden Gloves were asking me to go to the Ulsters and I was like ‘I don’t know’. We got sparring with Aidan Walsh over Christmas but, even after that, I still wasn’t sure. I could’ve taken the easy option, Jon was Irish number two at the weight last year, but I thought if I’m going to do it, I’ll do it the hard way.”

Set up in 1998, Illies Golden Gloves Boxing Club’s ambition is not just in the ring but also to develop their facilities for the wider local community. The club approached Community Finance Ireland back in 2016, when they were awarded the finance to purchase their training facilities at the Lisfannon Industrial Estate in Buncrana and to carry out works to make premises fit for purpose as an amateur boxing club.

Mary Nohilly from Community Finance Ireland who works with the club, was overjoyed with the results, saying:

“This is a fantastic result not only for the two lads taking home the titles but also for the whole team behind the scenes who have contributed to their success. A lot of work has gone into developing the club’s facilities to give the young people of Buncrana a place to train in the sport of boxing and these two titles are the result of that work paying off. A huge congratulations and hopefully a sign of more success to come!”

If your sports club has a project in mind, but needs the funding or advice on how to get started, get in touch with Community Finance Ireland today.

The post Donegal Boxing Club Punching Above Its Weight with Two Ulster Title Wins appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

This weekend why not grab a blanket, stick on your pjs, grab some popcorn (salted or sweet?) and curl up on the sofa with one of these classic movies.

Or better yet visit your local independent community cinema and see one of the latest releases. It is awards season after all and there are some fantastic films to choose from.

Donal Traynor- Group Chief Executive: Forrest Gump (1994)

What Donal had to say: “Forrest Gump is a fantastic film with Tom Hanks doing a star turn in the lead role. The message at the heart of the film really underpins the theory that ignorance is bliss, and that the main obstacle to one’s ability to achieve is the internal fear of thinking what might go wrong. Just do it!”

Lita Notte- Head of Marketing and Communications: As Good As It Gets (1997)

What Lita had to say: “As Good As It Gets is a Manhattan love story with hilarious characters and one of the most memorable scripts ever. Some of my favourite lines are when Jack Nicolson says: “You make me want to be a better man”, or when Helen Hunt’s character says, “Why can’t I just have a normal boyfriend?” or when Jack tells the cleaning lady, “Sell crazy someplace else – were all stocked up here…”. There are just so many great lines. A genius script played brilliantly by the full cast.”

Nick Heath- Front Office Administrator: High Fidelity (2000)

What Nick had to say: “My favourite film will often depend on my mood day to day, but one I love is High Fidelity. The film is very relatable and having worked in a few record shops myself, most of the scenes in Championship Vinyl I have actually experienced in real life. For me, John Cusack is a total bromance material, if given the choice I’d have him play in me in my biopic. And then there’s the soundtrack- so many great songs from The Jam, Velvet Underground, Aretha Franklin, the Kinks and Bob Dylan. Finally, Natasha Gregson Wagner is completely wonderful (and Natalie Woods daughter no less).”

Emma Thompson- Finance Executive: Jurassic Park (1993)

What Emma had to say: “That is a very tough choice to choose just one. But if pushed, I think I’d go for Jurassic Park and the sequels and new Jurassic World movies (except the most recent one, Dominion was a real stinker).  I love Jurassic Park for the nostalgia. I loved watching as a kid and love rewatching now as an adult. It always makes me wonder what would happen if they did manage to bring back dinosaurs.”

Barry Connolly- Chief Financial Officer: Star Trek II Wrath of Khan (1982)

What Barry had to say: “I am a huge Sci-Fi fan and in particular love all things Star Trek. Wrath of Khan is easily the best of the Star Trek films. A submarine thriller in space, with great script, acting and proper old school special effects before CGI made everything overblown. Influenced by Moby Dick, A Tale of Two Cities, and Milton’s Paradise Lost, and addressing themes such as aging, loss, and redemption, this is a much deeper film than your typical sci-fi flick. And of course: Khan!!!”

Mary Nohilly- Client Relationship Manager: Dirty Dancing (1987)

What Mary had to say: I’d have to go for Dirty Dancing. I loved the soundtrack when I was a teenager and watched it many times and would sing along to all the songs with a hairbrush! I loved how the story unfolded and the chemistry between Baby (played by Jennifer Grey) and Johnny (played by Patrick Swayze). Now when we go on campsite holidays I think back to this movie and wonder if the dancers and entertainment crew have these wild secret dance parties. I also hear there is talks of a sequel coming in Summer next year. I wonder if it will live up to the original?

Nicky McElhatton- Social Media and Marketing Manager: Juno (2007)

What Nicky had to say: “I first saw Juno in a cinema in Leicester Square in London. I hadn’t heard anything about the film before going to see it. While I waited in the dark movie theatre, they were playing these strange, but funky wee indie songs. Little did I realise that it was the soundtrack for the movie by Kimya Dawson. From that point I was hooked. The music forms such an integral part of the film and couple that with the fantastic screenplay from Diablo Cody, the effortless but hilarious acting from now household names like Michael Cera, Elliott Page, JK Simmons, Alison Janney and cracker one liners that I still quote to this day- “that ain’t no etch a sketch homeskillet! That’s one doodle that can’t be undid!” After my first watch I saw the film another three times in its initial cinema run and have watched it countless times since on DVD and streaming.”

Pauline Carolan- Office Administrator: Moulin Rouge (2001)

What Pauline had to say: My favourite film is Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! I absolutely love everything about it: the spectacle, the theatrics, the drama and the unique take on music! Luhrmann is fantastically visual and has a real unique directorial style which I have loved in all his other great film Elvis, Great Gatsby, Romeo & Juliet – you know immediately when you’re watching a Baz Luhrmann film and I just love it!

Phelim Sharvin- Head of Community Finance (NI): Carlito’s Way (1993)

What Phelim had to say: One of my favourite films is Carlito’s Way. A brilliant storyline, a bit of a love story set in a gritty/crime environment with a twist at the end. The acting is brilliant, particularly Al Pacino. I enjoy a wide range of genres from Crime, Drama, Action to Historical, tending to stay away from Fiction/Sci Fi.

Independent Community Cinema and the Arts is just one of the many sectors that Community Finance Ireland support through our Social Finance lending. For more information on Community Finance Ireland and how we can help your next community project, get in touch today.

The post Our Team Share Their Favourite Films on National Popcorn Day! appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

Nestled in the heart of Gowran village, the Gowran Outdoor Hub is a one-of-a-kind project designed to bring community, wellness, and inclusivity to the area. It’s set to feature a 300-metre walking/running track, multi-use courts (tennis, basketball, and football), and an inclusive playscape for all ages/ abilities.

It will deliver a space that prioritises safety and inclusivity, catering to people of all ages and abilities, as well as fostering community engagement and strengthening social bonds by providing a space for people to gather, play, and connect, encouraging physical activity, contributing to overall health and wellbeing.

At the centre of the project is the state-of-the-art castle-themed climbing frame, the first of its kind in the Northern Hemisphere. The equipment is designed with inclusivity at its heart and children of all abilities can use the facility. It’s a flagship project to bring together all ages and abilities in an inclusive social environment welcoming all and helping to combat marginalisation.

Thanks to our support and the support of the Kilkenny Leader Partnership, Kilkenny County Council, the Town and Village Renewal Grant, and other fundraising activities the initiative has already secured €395,000. Construction has already begun, with the play equipment and courts already taking shape. The project is estimated for completion in spring 2024.

Denis Hynes, the Chairperson for 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. We’re now appealing to local people, businesses and organisations to help us with a final fundraising push to get the project across the line in time for a spring launch.”

Barry Symes, Community Finance Ireland’s Head of Community Finance for the Republic of Ireland was thrilled that we could help make the organisation’s ambitions a reality, saying:

“It is such a joy to see the progress being made on the Gowran Intergenerational Outdoor Activity Hub project – an all-inclusive project that will bring life to the community of Gowran and be enjoyed by all children and their families for many years to come. At Community Finance Ireland we support a huge range of community and volunteer-led projects from sports projects to social enterprises to faith-based groups, but they all start with an idea and a group of people who want to make it work.

Mick, Denis and the team at the Gowran Hub project came to Community Finance Ireland with an idea and we were delighted to help them make it a reality. This group has long established roots in their community and it goes to show, when you have a vision for your local area, and the drive to create that change, there’s no limit to what you can do. If you would like to support the project in their fundraising goals, get in touch with Denis or one of the committee members“

If your community group has a project in mind, but needs the funding or advice on how to get started, get in touch with Community Finance Ireland today.

The post Gowran on the Move Poised to Open New One of a Kind, Inclusive Outdoor Hub in Spring 2024! appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

Community Finance Ireland have partnered with Belfast City Council and a number of other key strategic partners to deliver On Purpose: Inspiring and Showcasing Social Business.

The event is your opportunity to hear from success stories within the Community, Voluntary and Social Enterprise Sector as well as affording you the opportunity to chat to and get advice from sustainable finance experts about the funding opportunities available to your community organisation or social enterprise.

The event is free to attend and will take place in East Belfast’s Templemore Baths on Thursday 8 February, kicking off at 9:45am and finishing at 12:15 including a light lunch. To register attendance, click the booking link:

The Speakers

Phelim Sharvin | Sustainable Finance Expert, Community Finance Ireland

Phelim is a Chartered Banker and has Honours Degree and Masters Level qualifications in European Regional Development, Economics & Business Management. Now Head of Community Finance NI, Phelim has had sole responsibility for the CFI loan portfolio since 2007, committing approximately £80m to the wider CVSE sector and developed a successful range of bespoke loan funds most notably in the local Sports, Childcare, Green Energy and Start-Up Social Enterprise Sectors. Most recently he led the CFI Covid Grant Fund Management Team committing £22m grant funding to the local Community sector. He is a regular judge of the Social Enterprise NI Awards and chairs the CFI annual Dragons’ Den event.

Pamela Hughes | Kids Together, Belfast

Kids Together Belfast (KTB) was set up initially by two parents passionate about providing services for families, children and young people with complex needs. KTB uses the social enterprise model to deliver these services across the Belfast and Lisburn Trust areas. They are entrepreneurial and innovative in their approach and have scaled their venture over the past 8 years to employ more than 50 people in an area of high economic and social deprivation. Pamela Hughes will share the Kids Together Belfast story including how they have lobbied for policy change in terms of self directed payments, increased services to meet local needs and diversifi ed their income to help sustain the venture for the longer term.

Rónán Ó Dálaigh | Founder and CEO, Thriftify

The Thriftify platform enables charity shops to value their donations, instantly list them across all of the leading online marketplaces, and easily ship orders to circulators around the world. The social enterprise was launched in Ireland in 2018 and has been on a rapid growth trajectory; scaling to 98% market share in Ireland and expanding quickly across the UK. With a vision of changing how and why the world shops, Thriftify is building the engine for the circular economy. Charity shops receive the vast majority of used goods and, by making these items accessible to consumers who care, the company is aiming to create a new model of shopping – one that is not only sustainable but also impactful. A champion of social enterprise, Rónán has been the recipient of the Irish Presidential Youth Award, The Chancellor’s Medal at DCU and the winner of the Irish ENACTUS award for social enterprise. He was also voted a ‘Young Global Shaper’ by the World Economic Forum.

Alice Thompson | International Speaker and Purpose Coach

A proven Social Business Leader, Alice co-founded Social Bite, an Edinburgh café designed to employ and feed the homeless community. It now boasts 9 outlets, 100+ employees and has been visited by the likes of George Clooney, the Duchess of Cambridge, Bill Clinton and Leonardo DiCaprio. Alice and her team made Social Bite a nationwide success, distributing over 150,000 fresh food items each year to those in need and campaigning for policy reform. Alice was also pivotal in the establishment of ‘The World’s Big Sleepout’ which took place in 52 cities across the globe with stars such as Will Smith and Dame Helen Mirren reading bedtime stories to participants. A recipient of the RSGS Livingstone Medal, which is also held by the likes of Sir David Attenborough and Neil Armstrong, Alice is now an international speaker and one of the UK’s best known purpose coaches.

Hope to see you on 8 February.

The post Join Phelim Sharvin on 8 February for On Purpose: Inspiring & Showcasing Social Business appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

Kilcreggan Homes, an independent charity that provides housing, day and employment opportunities for adults with a Learning Disability, Autistic Spectrum Condition or an acquired brain injury, is expanding its residential accommodation offering with £85k support from social finance providers, Community Finance Ireland.

The charity has received a total funding package of £240k from Community Finance Ireland in 2023. The package includes refinancing of existing accommodation loans, £85k towards the purchase of a property to support the rehabilitation of a client with complex needs and a £5k charitable donation to Kilcreggan Homes, towards developing its Mid Ulster Sanctuary site near Magherafelt.

Since 2016, Community Finance Ireland has supported 166 social enterprises and organisations from across the community and voluntary sector in Northern Ireland, with a total of £18.1 million in social finance loans.

Phelim Sharvin, Head of Community Finance Ireland, Northern Ireland said:

“The team at Kilcreggan Homes is hugely ambitious and has worked hard to widen the organisation’s portfolio in the past year. Across multiple sites including an urban farm and supported living properties in Carrickfergus, the charity helps 160 clients every week and achieves a clear social impact through the delivery of a high quality essential care service. Community Finance Ireland has provided £18million in social finance to Northern Ireland’s voluntary sector since 2016 and we’re proud that almost a third of that has gone to organisations like Kilcreggan Homes, which delivers Community Services and Health and Wellbeing services.”

Damien Cassidy, Managing Director of Kilcreggan Homes said:

“The financial support from Community Finance Ireland allowed us to restructure existing debt and in turn to plan for the purchase of a property in Newtownabbey and develop our Mid Ulster site. As well as our urban farm, our café, garden centre and pop up Christmas shop welcome 15,000 visitors annually and provide service users with training, day opportunities and employment.. We have a resource centre where they can socialise and the purchase of the residential properties close by means we can now also offer further independent living opportunities to complex needs service users. We very much appreciate the advice from Phelim and his highly experienced team throughout the process, along with their enthusiasm for our vision.”

Read more stories from Community Finance Ireland’s clients here.

The post Kilcreggan Homes to support 160 people across Northern Ireland every week with package from Community Finance Ireland appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

Funded by The National Lottery, the Renewable Energy Fund will support sports clubs with infrastructure upgrades such as solar energy systems, air and ground source heating systems, sustainable water recycling solutions, and floodlight upgrades.

The Renewable Energy Fund will be delivered as a pilot programme in 2023/24, as Sport NI gathers information on which environmental interventions have the greatest impact within sports clubs. The fund was developed using feedback from sports clubs through Sport NI’s Environmental Sustainability Survey.

Investment will be spread across Northern Ireland with at least one club from each of the 11 council areas being selected to take part. To be eligible, clubs must have completed Sport NI’s Environmental Sustainability Survey.

Phelim Sharvin, Head of Community Finance for Northern Ireland at Community Finance Ireland said:

“I welcome the announcement of this new initiative from Sport NI which will enable sports clubs across Northern Ireland to invest in infrastructure upgrades in line with renewable energy ambitions. Not only will the initiative have a positive impact on the environment but it will reduce clubs’ long term energy costs, allowing them to invest the savings into other areas of the clubs’ development.”

WHO CAN APPLY?

• The Renewable Energy Fund Pilot Programme will only accept applications from sports organisations in Northern Ireland who either own or operate their own sports facilities.

WHAT TYPE OF PROJECTS CAN BE FUNDED?

• Sport NI are interested in taking forward the following types of energy projects within sports clubs:
• Solar Energy Systems (and ancillary equipment).
• Air Source Heating Systems (and ancillary equipment).
• Ground Source Heating Systems (and ancillary equipment).
• Sustainable Water Recycling Systems.
• Fixed Floodlight Upgrades (Specifically upgrades to LED Bulbs and Connection to Grid).
• Sport NI may consider alternative interventions if recommended in your club energy audit, and if the benefits of that intervention have been clearly articulated.

If you are ready to apply to the Sport NI Renewable Energy Fund, click here for more details.

The post Sport NI Launch New £1m Renewable Energy Fund appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

Our team (humorously named CFI Cirque du Sore Legs) have bravely decided to take on the hilly route around Northern Ireland’s North Coast on 24 June in the hopes of raising a personal target of £250 or a combined total of £1,500. While some are aiming on covering an impressive 13 mile half distance, other team members are geared up to complete the full marathon.

In preparation for the big day Compliance Officer and Employee Engagement Officer Steph Nicholl remarked that:

“I have been strength training at the local gym three times a week. Trying to build up some muscle in my calves, in my quads and in my hamstrings. Taking some smaller tasks to improve endurance, such as taking the twelve flights of stairs every day in the office rather than relying on the lift.”

The team have been spirited by a little bit of friendly competition in the office with each member vying to be top of the steps leaderboard each week. Chief Executive Donal Traynor notes:

“We found ourselves competing with each other trying to get the steps in on a weekly basis. I think I’m lagging very much so in that regard. But there’s still plenty of time to turn it around and for me to catch up in terms of the training.”

There are currently over three million people living with cancer in the United Kingdom while 44,000 people are diagnosed with cancer in the Republic of Ireland each year. MacMillan Cancer Support is a charity dedicated to offering healthcare support and financial support to those who have been directly or indirectly affected by cancer.

Finance Officer Sandra Cowan notes the importance of fundraising for a charity like MacMillan, as cancer has had a personal impact on her own family:

“MacMillan is a really good cause. Having lost loved ones to cancer, I just want to contribute what I can raise on the day and give that to MacMillan.”

Watch the video below from our team as they prepare for the big day on 24 June. They discuss their expectations, what they’ve done to ready themselves for the hike and why they have chosen to raise funds for MacMillan in particular.

If you would like to support the team’s fundraising activities, you can contribute to their efforts on their JustGiving page here.

The post Community Finance Ireland to Complete Mighty Hike in Aid of MacMillan Cancer Support appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

Belfast charity, Kids Together, has purchased a new premises on the city’s Springfield Road, with £150,000 support from social finance providers, Community Finance Ireland.  The purchase will allow Kids Together to provide services for 408 children and people with complex needs each year, in response to increasing demands from local health trusts. 

Since 2016, Community Finance Ireland has supported 166 social enterprises and organisations from across the community and voluntary sector in Northern Ireland, with a total of £18.1 million in social finance loans.

Phelim Sharvin, Head of Community Finance Ireland, Northern Ireland said:

“The rate at which Kids Together has expanded its service offering is indicative of the team’s professionalism and expertise and their desire to respond positively to the ever-increasing needs of individuals and their families. We’re delighted to support the next phase of Kids Together’s growth and development.  Community Finance Ireland has provided £18million in social finance to Northern Ireland’s voluntary sector since 2016 and we’re proud that almost a third of that has gone to organisations like Kids Together, which delivers Community Services, Childcare and Health and Wellbeing services.” 

Kids Together was established in 2005 and delivers wide-ranging childcare, youth programmes and specialist care/therapy support for children and young adults with complex disabilities.  Service users are located across the Greater Belfast area and growing demand from Health Trusts and families created the need for a new property. 

Mairead McCrea who founded the charity explains:

“The demand for our services has risen every year since 2005 and the acquisition of the new property, which includes a lift for service users, is a great opportunity for Kids Together to help secure our future and deliver key services on-site . The social finance support and advice from the team at Community Finance Ireland that allowed us to move forward with the of our new property, has been invaluable.  Phelim and the team really understand and encourage our plans for growth and development.  We couldn’t have made the new property purchase and therefore extend our services without their help and advice.”

If you and your community facility need advice, get in touch today or follow us on Twitter.  

The post Kids Together building on success with support from Community Finance Ireland appeared first on Community Finance Ireland.

Ballymoney-based, Compass Advocacy Network has purchased and developed a social farm which provides training and leisure opportunities for over 50 people with learning disabilities each weekday, with support from social finance providers, Community Finance Ireland.  A total loan value of £350,000 enabled the purchase of the 11-acre site and farmhouse outside Ballymoney, and the subsequent installation of phase-3 electricity and upgrade of the farm’s outbuildings.   

Since 2016, Community Finance Ireland has supported 166 social enterprises and organisations from across the community and voluntary sector in Northern Ireland, with a total of £18.1 million in social finance loans.

Peter Smyth, Client Relationship Manager at Community Finance Ireland said:

“Each time we meet the team at Compass Advocacy Network, we are blown away by their innovation and ambition. At Community Finance Ireland we support a huge range of community and volunteer-led projects from sports projects to social enterprises to faith-based groups, but they all start with an ideas and a group of people who want to make it work.

The opportunities that Compass Advocacy Network provide for vulnerable adults from across multiple sites are incredible and we were delighted to support the purchase and development of Lislagan Farm.

We are proud to have made almost a third of our £18 million social finance available to organisations like Compass Advocacy Network, which deliver Community Services, Childcare, Health and Wellbeing and Education and Training.”

The Compass Advocacy Group was established in 1997 to provide education, learning and employment opportunities to vulnerable adults. CAN’s bases provide social and leisure opportunities for over 50 people with learning disabilities per day, 5 days a week in Ballymoney, Ballymena and Coleraine.

Janet Schofield, Chief Executive at Compass Advocacy Network explained:

“As a user-led organisation, the people we support are at the heart of our decision making. As well as social and leisure opportunities, our social enterprises which include recycling, upcycling and retail, give our users real work-based training towards employment.

The social finance support and advice from the team at Community Finance Ireland that allowed us to purchase and carry out improvement works at Lislagan Farm, has been invaluable. Peter and the team really understand and encourage our plans for growth and development. We couldn’t have made our plans for the farm a reality without them.”

If you and your community facility need advice, get in touch today or follow us on Twitter.  

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