Community groups convene for informative night of networking
COMMUNITY groups and sports organisations from around the county gathered in the Ferrycarrig Hotel for an information evening which provided details on grants, fundraising initiatives and the range of supports available to them.
Hosted by Clann Credo, who are a provider of community loans to voluntary groups, this was also an opportunity for members of local groups to network and share ideas of their own.
Approximately 100 members of various groups were in attendance to hear Jennifer Hennessy of Clann Credo welcome them and she expressed how heartened she was by the response to the event.
‘ The numbers attending show the level of community activity and involvement in the county,’ she said. ‘Clann Credo’s aim is to give community groups and sports clubs all the information they need on grants that are available locally, how to run effective fundraising campaigns and how to get loan finance if they need it.’
Expanding on this topic, Amanda Byrne of Wexford County Council spoke about the range of supports, including grants, that the local authority provides to community organisations. She also flagged the rollout of an upcoming survey.
Liz Roche, a leading fundraising advisor to the community and non-profit sector in Ireland, asked club members to share their most successful fundraising events. Meanwhile, Tony Marshall, of Clann Credo
Social Finance listed community projects in the county that have availed of their services, including Wexford Gymnastics Club, Kilmuckridge Family Resource Centre and Ramsgrange Men’s Shed.
Finally, Mary Dunphy and Eileen Dake from Wexford Local Development presented detailed information on grants and supports that they provide, while Noel Curtis of Kiltealy Hall Development Group explained how grant aid and loan finance had worked for the group.