Louth youth and community organisations encouraged to explore social finance for local projects
Community Finance Ireland is encouraging youth organisations, community groups and voluntary organisations across Louth to explore how a social finance loan could help turn ambitious dreams into reality for their locality.
Community Finance Ireland is urging Louth organisations to look to at how social finance is making a difference at Renmore Scout Group, which recently upgraded its Scout Den and purchased a new van with support from Community Finance Ireland.
For almost 50 years, the group in Galway has provided young people with opportunities to learn new skills, build confidence and develop lasting friendships through scouting.
To support its growing membership and activities, Renmore Scout Group secured finance from Community Finance Ireland to refurbish its Scout Den, including the installation of new shower and toilet facilities.
The group also availed of finance to purchase a new van, making it easier to transport equipment, scout leaders and members to camps, jamborees and events throughout the year.
Community Finance Ireland is a charity and social enterprise that provides loans exclusively to other third-sector organisations such as community groups, charities, sports clubs and social enterprises on an all-island basis, and as a non-profit, it does finance differently.
Instead of profit-driven interest, CFI has created a model rooted in community support, where every repayment helps another volunteer-led organisation take their next step in delivering impact for their community. In 2025, an impressive 4.36 multiple was generated in social value for every €/£1 invested by Community Finance Ireland.
For many community and voluntary organisations, grant funding is an important source of support. However, grants are often paid retrospectively, meaning groups must first cover project costs before receiving funding.
Anne Loughnane, Scout Leader with Renmore Scout Group, explains: “The bridging finance from Community Finance Ireland is really important to us as an organisation.
“Grants are paid retrospectively and we wouldn’t have the upfront cash to cover the projects required for our group. The bridging loan allows us to start the project, and we can pay it off when the grant comes through.”
Community Finance Ireland has a long history of supporting community and voluntary organisations across the island of Ireland, helping them access the finance needed to improve facilities, purchase equipment and deliver lasting social impact.
Speaking about the opportunity for organisations in Louth, CEO of Community Finance Ireland Dónal Traynor says: “Across Louth and the entire island of Ireland, youth organisations, sports clubs, community groups and voluntary organisations are doing incredible work each and every day.
“Here in Community Finance Ireland, our mission is to support this great work by providing social finance through a responsible, community-centric approach to all voluntary led organisations delivering social impact.
“We encourage volunteer-led organisations to get in touch with us, and find out if a social finance loan is right for their organisation, club or community.”
Organisations interested in learning more about social finance loans can visit www.communityfinanceireland.com.