Empowering communities through strategic social finance: £13 million FTC Funding already proving its value
Government departments committed to building stronger, more resilient communities now have a unique opportunity to extend their impact. The Department for Communities (DfC) recently allocated £13 million in Flexible Finance for the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector, administered by Community Finance Ireland (CFI).
This strategic funding offers departments a powerful tool to support community-led projects and catalyze meaningful, sustainable change at the grassroots level.
Aligning government objectives with community-led success
This funding is designed to align with both departmental goals and wider Programme for Government objectives. From social care and renewable energy to community development and sports, Community Finance Ireland has deep experience across diverse sectors, providing departments with an agile funding mechanism that addresses real needs on the ground. Since the funding announcement, the strong response from community organisations highlights the urgency of affordable finance to fuel projects that bring genuine community value.
Flexible financial tools to accelerate local impact
The £13 million funding is intentionally structured to be adaptable, ensuring that diverse community organisations can meet their goals without financial barriers. CFI offers tailored solutions that respond directly to the financial challenges faced by the VCSE sector:
• Match funding: For projects already awarded funding from other governmental or external sources, CFI provides match funding to bridge gaps and meet project costs. This flexibility enables government departments to extend the reach of their financial investments and partnerships with ease.
• Bridging finance: Community organisations often encounter delays in funding disbursement, which can hinder project timelines. Our bridging finance helps overcome these delays, allowing projects to proceed uninterrupted and accelerating the pace at which departmental objectives are achieved.
• Community asset transfers: For initiatives involving the transfer of public assets — such as buildings or land — to local groups, social finance funding can cover crucial setup costs. This enables the transformation of assets into community hubs, providing long-term benefits that resonate deeply within communities.
Specialist support for sustainable VCSE growth
Community Finance Ireland understands that finance for the VCSE sector must go beyond mere funding. Our team offers
in-depth expertise and guidance to maximize the impact of each pound invested. This includes support with structuring deals, navigating additional funding sources, and tailoring finance solutions to the specific needs of volunteer-led initiatives. With CFI as a partner, departments can rest assured that their financial support is used effectively, driving forward community projects that align closely with policy aims.
Act now to amplify community impact
In addition CFI invests in an annual Social Impact Report where the multiplier effect of all funds is clearly demonstrated. If your department is looking to deepen its community impact, get in touch with us. Community Finance Ireland is here to bridge the gap between policy and community impact.
Let’s work together to amplify the potential of local projects and empower communities to thrive.
We speak finance but we hear people.
Pictured above at the launch of the brand new £13 million loan fund managed by Community Finance Ireland (CFI) and made available by Department for Communities for capital projects in communities across Northern Ireland, were Phelim Sharvin (Community Finance Ireland), Mark Langhammer (Crusaders FC), Sue O’Neill (Crusaders FC), DfC Minister Gordon Lyons, Donal Traynor, CEO (Community Finance Ireland), Tommy Whiteside (Crusaders FC). North Belfast based Crusaders Football Club is the first recipient of the loan fund for the installation of a 3G pitch at its Loughshore Road Grounds for use by its women’s and youth teams.
Phelim Sharvin, Head Community Finance (NI)
E: phelimsharvin@communtiyfinanceireland.com
Peter Smyth, Client Relationship Manager (NI)
E: petersmyth@communityfinanceireland.com
Further information here:
www.communityfinanceireland.com
