A training needs survey was issued by Leitrim PPN last year. The results clearly identified funding as a key issue for groups – accessing and applying for funds. In response to this, Leitrim PPN hosted a Community Finance Information Session at the Lough Allen Hotel, Drumshanbo on Thursday 13th September last.
Finance Funders, Social Lenders and Community Insurance
Speakers at the event were allowed about 10-15 minutes each to outline how they support community groups in financing projects. The evening was kicked off by Áine Carr, Project Development Officer of Leitrim Co. Council. Áine’s work is directly involved with the economic development of communities and areas and she gave the audience a useful overview of some of the main funding sources and tips and hints on completing applications.
Dónal Traynor of Community Finance (Ireland) and Tracey Hannon of Clann Credo gave succinct presentations outlining their similar work and how to access their services. Both are registered charities providing loans exclusively to other third sector organisations such as community groups, charities, sports clubs and social enterprises. Over the past 20 years they’ve committed in excess of €190 million to organisations across the island of Ireland.
Leitrim’s own Jane Brady of Brady insurance, based in Carrick on Shannon followed Dónal. Brady’s insurance business includes EventInsure, which insures community groups, festivals and events across Ireland including the prestigious St Patrick’s Day events in Dublin last year. Community group insurance can be a difficult subject to broach as many groups bemoan the cost and don’t see returns on the investment. Jane’s presentation was well-received and gave people an insight into the challenges of claims and how groups can best reduce their costs by clear risk assessment and good practice.
LEADER funding was the next topic introduced by Brian Smyth of Leitrim Development Company. A quick hand show in the room confirmed that no-one there had not heard of LEADER funding and Brian went on to outline the current status of grants and applications and the positive outlook for future funding. He urged groups to contact him for more information on these funds.
Maebh Gallagher, Community Banker with Ulster Bank provides schools, active age groups and other interested groups with useful tips on savings, online banking, avoiding fraud and generally making the most of banks for communities. You don’t need to bank with Ulster Bank to have Maebh come out and speak to your group so get in touch if you think it would be useful. Maebh’s topic rounded off the presentation part of the evening and while the audience grabbed some tea and chatted with the speakers individually.
Presentations and More Information.
In order of presentation on evening:
- Áine Carr, Project Development Officer, Leitrim County Council. E: acarr@leitrimcoco.i P: 071 96 20005 ext 513
Community Funding- A Carr for Leitrim PPN
- Dónal Traynor, Community Finance Ireland. E: donaltraynor@communityfinance.ie P: Tel: 087-2521038 / 041-6858637
Community Finance Ireland Leitrim PPN
- Jane Brady, Brady Insurance and Eventinsure E: info@bradyinsurance.ie P: 071 962 0193
- Brian Smyth, Leitrim Development Company E: LEADER@ldco.ie or brian@ldco.ie P: 071 96 41770
- Tracey Hannon, Clann Credo E: tracey@clanncredo.ie P: 087 648 8390 / 094 9060679
Clann Credo 130918 Leitrim PPN
- Maebh Gallagher, Ulster Bank E: maebh.gallagher@ulsterbank.com P: 087 662 6784
Ulster Bank Community Leitrim PPN
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