Community Champions Award
The 'Community Champions Award,' a generous €10,000 prize, was introduced to recognize and support the outstanding efforts of local volunteers within People First Credit Union's common bond area of Portlaoise, Abbeyleix, Athy and Stradbally. The selection process involved a rigorous evaluation of the nominees, with Portlaoise Tidy Towns emerging as the distinguished winner among three finalists, which also included Dunamaise Beekeepers and Abbeyleix Bog Project.
Applications for the next cycle of the award will open in the coming months, as the credit union continues to support local initiatives that make a positive impact.
Overall winner: Portlaoise Tidy Towns
Portlaoise Tidy Towns stood out for their unwavering commitment to environmental preservation, community engagement, and impactful initiatives aimed at enhancing our communal living spaces. The 'Community Champions Award' acknowledges and seeks to bolster the volunteer group's ongoing dedication to biodiversity. This includes the implementation of a Biodiversity Walk featuring themed sculptures and informative boards, designed to educate participants on ways to contribute to their community and align with the climate action plan. The walk, dedicated to the County of Laois and its residents, aims to empower individuals to actively engage in fostering biodiversity.
Runner-up: Abbeyleix Bog Project
Abbeyleix Bog Project is a community led conservation project. The Abbeyleix Bog Project is considered one of the leading conservation projects in the Country. Abbeyleix Bog encompasses an area of almost 500 acres of diverse habitats including degraded (but recovering) raised bog, lagg, cutaway, wet carr woodland and meadows. By restoring degraded peatlands, the Abbeyleix Bog Project has not only contributed to reducing carbon emissions – a boon for Ireland’s climate change mitigation efforts – but has also repaired key wetland habitats, which has major benefits for the nation’s biodiversity. In addition, the project has provided delightful recreation and education spaces, attracting walkers, students, researchers and nature lovers.
Runner-up: Dunamaise Beekeepers
Dunamaise Beekeepers Association have a focus on education over profit. Offering classes to burgeoning beekeepers and information to young bee enthusiasts about our most important pollinator at many events around the County. Their beautiful apiary is located on one of Irelands historic properties in Stradbally, surrounded by wild native plants and native trees. In Ireland, crops such as apples, strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, blackcurrants, peppers, courgettes and pumpkins are reliant on bees for pollination. No-Mow-May is an annual campaign which encourages people to let green areas develop without cutting back or mowing for the month of May. This allows native Irish wildflowers like dandelions, clover and birds-foot trefoil to grow.
Applications must be made from non-profit organisations or charities.
In making this application to People First Credit Union, please note the following:
- The application will be treated as incomplete without the form being completed in full.
- Only groups or organisations will be considered. People First Credit Union does not sponsor individuals.
- Eligible applicants must be members of People First Credit Union's common bond. Please contact the office if you are unsure of your eligibility.
- People First Credit Union will agree funding guidelines to the recipient regarding photo opportunities, and PR opportunities.
- Funding will not be released until sponsorship guidelines have been carried out by the organisation and approved as satisfactory by People First Credit Union.
- All organisations applying for People First Community Funding need to outline project details, including project amount.
- The information supplied by the applicant group /organisation must be accurate and complete.
- Misinformation may lead to disqualification and/or the repayment of any grant made.
- It is the responsibility of each organisation to ensure that it has proper procedures and policies in place, including appropriate insurance, where relevant.
- Late applications will not be considered.
- The award will support groups, and charities who have a project that benefits the community. The award is not to be used for the purposes of day to day running expenses, overheads etc. The fund does not provide funding for the pay or employment of staff.
- The activity or project must benefit the local community.
- The information supplied by the applicant group /organisation must be accurate and complete.
- Misinformation may lead to disqualification and/or the repayment of any grant made.
- It is the responsibility of each organisation to ensure that it has proper procedures and policies in place, including appropriate insurance, where relevant.
- Evidence of expenditure, receipts/invoices must be retained and provided to People First Credit Union or their representative if requested.
- People First Credit Union's contribution must be publicly acknowledged in all materials associated with the purpose of the funding.
- The Community and Voluntary Awards is presented to you by Laois County Council and Laois Public Participation Network. They will join People First Credit Union on the judging Panel for the decision on the award.
