Guidelines for Applications 

• The maximum amount that can be applied for is €1,000 per group per annum. 

• We will be accepting applications for the 2026 Community Fund from 5th February 2026 to 7th March 2026 inclusive. After this date the application process will automatically close. 

• Groups are advised to take time to clearly define how the funds are to be used for the betterment of the community and how they will promote Mountmellick Credit Union to their group membership and the wider community. 

• Where possible, we will make supporting materials such as pop-up banners, leaflets, etc., available for event days or membership/community circularisation if such items are a factor in support of your application. 

• After the defined closing date, the Board of Directors will convene a special board meeting to assess the requests and award the funding, as fairly as possible based on the perceived benefit to the community, the CU and the funds available for each sector, where applicable. 

• All Groups will be notified of their specific outcome after this meeting. They will also be informed of the date and location of the awards ceremony if applicable, to which they will be expected to send a delegate for a photo opportunity with the CU representatives, (to be used for mutual promotion). 

• Actual funds will be issued directly to the nominated Group account within one month of the special board meeting being held. 

• This is an ongoing, competitive process. Receiving an annual sponsorship historically or in any given year going forward is not a guarantee of support in subsequent years. Submitting an application is not a guarantee of sponsorship. 

• The Board will be mindful of various “Sectors” when dividing up the available funds, and even “Sub-Sectors”. This is to ensure that everybody gains, no matter what their interests. In practical terms this might see two Arts groups contend for the same total value of sector funding as fifteen sports clubs. Or one unique sports club receiving more funding than other more generic sports clubs contending the same sector. 

• The Board reserve the right to award all the funds available in a particular “Sector” to a minority, particularly when a sector is heavily subscribed. This will be based on an assessment of which projects/plans will deliver the most rewards to the community and the CU. This may be deemed preferable than to spreading the funds so thinly that they make no real difference to any Group. In such cases the Board will take this into consideration in following years to the benefit of the other Groups. 

• Only Groups who hold the “Common Bond” may apply. To hold the common Bond at least 75% of a Group’s membership must come from within the area of the Credit Union Common Bond: Mountmellick: 6 mile radius of Mountmellick extending to the townlands of Rosenallis and Clonaslee. Rathangan: Area comprising of Rathangan parish and postal District & that area of Clonbollogue postal district, east of the River Figile, include Tower Cross, Pluckerstown, The Grange, Carrick, Barnacrow, Christianstown, Baronstown West, Wheelam, Blakestown and Cannonstown.