Clann Credo: Understanding Ireland’s Leading Community Loan Fund

Clann Credo is a community loan finance organization that has been transforming communities and changing lives in Ireland for many years. Founded in 1996, Clann Credo has provided loans nearing €150 million to over 1,900 community and voluntary organizations nationwide. The organization works with voluntary and community groups, charities, social enterprises, and amateur sports clubs around the country to provide loans for groups working in the areas of community facilities, sports and recreation, social housing, arts, and tourism.

As Ireland’s largest social finance provider, Clann Credo has re-imagined lending and believes that finance can be a catalyst for good in communities. The organization recycles capital repayments into new loans to continuously increase the community loan finance available so more community organizations can benefit in the future. Clann Credo’s mission is to enable people and communities to create a better society by providing accessible finance, expertise, and support.

Clann Credo has a strong presence in Dublin, with its head office located in Inchicore. The organization’s leadership and staff are dedicated to supporting communities and creating positive social impact. Clann Credo’s services and operations are designed to help community organizations access the finance they need to make a difference. The organization’s areas of influence include community development, social enterprise, and impact investing.

Key Takeaways

Clann Credo is a community loan finance organization that provides loans for groups working in the areas of community facilities, sports and recreation, social housing, arts, and tourism.
As Ireland’s largest social finance provider, Clann Credo recycles capital repayments into new loans to continuously increase the community loan finance available so more community organizations can benefit in the future.
Clann Credo’s services and operations are designed to help community organizations access the finance they need to make a difference, with a strong focus on community development, social enterprise, and impact investing.

History and Formation

Clann Credo is a social investment fund in Ireland that was founded in 1996 by Sr Magdalen Fogarty and the Presentation Sisters. The organisation was established as a way to deepen social justice and further its mission of social transformation. Other religious charities also provided capital. Since its creation, Clann Credo has lent over EUR 82 million (euros) to more than 800 projects.

The Presentation Sisters are a religious congregation that was founded in Ireland in 1775. The congregation has a long history of working to improve the lives of people in need, and has established a number of social justice initiatives over the years. The formation of Clann Credo was a natural extension of this work, as it allowed the congregation to provide capital to community-focused enterprises that promote their growth.

Clann Credo’s headquarters are in Roscommon, Ireland, and the organisation has a staff of over 20 people. The organisation’s goal is to make capital available to community-focused enterprises to promote their growth. Clann Credo is a charity and recycles capital repayments into new loans to continuously increase the Community Loan Finance available so more community organisations can benefit in the future. As Ireland’s largest social finance provider, Clann Credo has re-imagined lending and believes that finance can be a catalyst for good in communities.

Overall, Clann Credo has had a significant impact on the social investment market in Ireland. The organisation’s objectives and rationale are well-established, and its key activities have been successful in increasing access to finance and strengthening the social investment market.

Leadership and Staff

Clann Credo’s leadership team is comprised of experienced professionals who are dedicated to supporting communities across Ireland. The team is led by CEO Mary Lawlor, who was appointed in 2023. Lawlor brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as the CEO of a leading social enterprise in the UK.

Key Figures

Mary Lawlor, CEO: Lawlor is responsible for leading Clann Credo’s strategic direction and ensuring the organisation continues to support communities across Ireland. She has extensive experience in the social enterprise sector and is committed to creating positive social impact.
Magdalen Fogarty, Director of Finance: Fogarty is responsible for overseeing Clann Credo’s financial operations. She has over 20 years of experience in finance and has worked with a number of leading organisations in Ireland.
Tracey Hannon, Director of Operations: Hannon is responsible for ensuring Clann Credo’s operations run smoothly. She has over 15 years of experience in the non-profit sector and is committed to making a positive difference in communities across Ireland.
Sarah Leahy, Head of Marketing and Communications: Leahy is responsible for developing and implementing Clann Credo’s marketing and communications strategy. She has extensive experience in marketing and communications and is committed to raising awareness of the organisation’s work.
Tony Marshall, Head of Lending: Marshall is responsible for managing Clann Credo’s lending operations. He has over 10 years of experience in the financial sector and is committed to supporting communities across Ireland.
Martina O’Moore, Head of HR: O’Moore is responsible for managing Clann Credo’s human resources function. She has over 15 years of experience in HR and is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment for staff.
Elina Kovale, Social Finance Executive: Kovale is responsible for supporting Clann Credo’s lending operations. She has extensive experience in social finance and is committed to supporting communities across Ireland.

Overall, Clann Credo’s leadership team and staff are committed to making a positive difference in communities across Ireland. With their expertise and dedication, they are well placed to continue supporting community projects and social enterprises for many years to come.

Services and Operations

Clann Credo is a social finance provider that offers affordable loan finance to community groups, social enterprises, and community organisations in Ireland. Its mission is to increase access to finance and strengthen the social investment market in Ireland.

Loan Services

Clann Credo provides loans to community enterprises, social enterprises, and projects that have a positive social impact. The loans are available for a range of purposes, such as capital equipment, working capital, property loans, and bridging loans. The loan application process is simple and straightforward, and Clann Credo’s staff work closely with applicants to ensure they have the capacity to repay the loan.

Community Finance

Clann Credo’s community loan finance is designed to help community groups and organisations achieve their goals. The loans are available for a range of purposes, such as community projects, arts, tourism, transport, and sports clubs. Clann Credo’s staff work with applicants to ensure they have the capacity to repay the loan and offer flexible repayment terms to suit their needs.

Social Impact Investment

Clann Credo also offers social impact investment opportunities to investors who want to make a positive social impact while earning a financial return. The investment funds are used to provide affordable loan finance to community groups, social enterprises, and community organisations. Clann Credo’s accounts are audited annually, and investors can be assured that their investment is being used to make a positive social impact.

Clann Credo’s loan services are designed to be flexible and affordable. The loans have low-interest rates, and there are no personal guarantees required. Early repayment is also allowed without penalty. Clann Credo works closely with banks and other financial institutions to ensure that its loans are complementary to other sources of finance.

In summary, Clann Credo provides affordable loan finance to community groups, social enterprises, and community organisations in Ireland. Its loan services are flexible and designed to have a positive social impact. Clann Credo also offers social impact investment opportunities to investors who want to make a positive social impact while earning a financial return.

Social Impact and Benefits

Clann Credo – the Social Investment Fund – has been making a significant social impact in Ireland for over 15 years. The organisation has provided over €33 million in Socially Directed Investment (SDI) to Social Enterprise and Community Business (SECB) projects throughout the country.

Clann Credo’s investments have helped to create jobs, support local economies, and provide essential services to communities across Ireland. The organisation’s approach to investment is unique in that it prioritises social impact over financial return. This means that Clann Credo invests in projects that have a clear social benefit, even if they may not provide a significant financial return.

One of the key benefits of Clann Credo’s approach to investment is the social return generated by its investments. Social return refers to the positive impact that an investment has on society. Clann Credo’s investments have had a significant social return, helping to create jobs, support local economies, and provide essential services to communities across Ireland.

Clann Credo’s investments have also had a positive impact on the environment. The organisation has invested in projects that promote sustainable development, such as renewable energy projects and community gardens. These investments have helped to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable living practices.

Overall, Clann Credo’s approach to investment has had a significant social impact in Ireland. The organisation’s investments have helped to create jobs, support local economies, and provide essential services to communities across the country. Clann Credo’s commitment to social impact over financial return has set it apart from other investment funds and has made it a valuable partner for social enterprises and community businesses in Ireland.

Areas of Influence

Clann Credo has a significant impact on the local communities where it operates. The organisation provides loans to community organisations, charities, and social enterprises, enabling the creation of new community facilities, social housing, sporting and training facilities, training facilities, and environmental centres.

Local Impact

Clann Credo’s area of influence extends to a number of locations across Ireland, including Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Waterford, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Galway, and Inchicore. In these areas, Clann Credo has funded a variety of community development projects, including the creation of new community centres, creches, and enterprise centres.

For example, in Cork, Clann Credo provided a loan to the Cork Community Art Link, which enabled the organisation to purchase a new building to expand its services. The new building provides a range of services to the community, including art classes, exhibitions, and events.

In Kerry, Clann Credo provided a loan to the Listowel Family Resource Centre, which enabled the organisation to purchase a new building to expand its services. The new building provides a range of services to the community, including counselling, parenting support, and education and training programmes.

In Limerick, Clann Credo provided a loan to the Southill Area Centre, which enabled the organisation to refurbish its existing building and expand its services. The centre provides a range of services to the community, including childcare, youth services, and community development programmes.

In Waterford, Clann Credo provided a loan to the Waterford Area Partnership, which enabled the organisation to purchase a new building to expand its services. The new building provides a range of services to the community, including education and training programmes, employment support, and community development initiatives.

In Carlow, Clann Credo provided a loan to the Carlow Regional Youth Services, which enabled the organisation to purchase a new building to expand its services. The new building provides a range of services to the community, including youth services, counselling, and education and training programmes.

In Kilkenny, Clann Credo provided a loan to the Kilkenny Community Radio, which enabled the organisation to purchase new equipment and expand its services. The radio station provides a range of services to the community, including news and information, music, and community programming.

In Wicklow, Clann Credo provided a loan to the Wicklow Travellers Group, which enabled the organisation to purchase a new building to expand its services. The new building provides a range of services to the community, including education and training programmes, employment support, and community development initiatives.

In Galway, Clann Credo provided a loan to the Galway City Partnership, which enabled the organisation to purchase a new building to expand its services. The new building provides a range of services to the community, including education and training programmes, employment support, and community development initiatives.

In Inchicore, Clann Credo provided a loan to the Camara Education Ireland, which enabled the organisation to purchase new equipment and expand its services. The organisation provides a range of services to the community, including education and training programmes, employment support, and community development initiatives.

Overall, Clann Credo’s impact on the local communities where it operates is significant, enabling the creation of new community facilities and supporting the development of social enterprises and charities.

Success Stories and Case Studies

Clann Credo has a long history of helping community-focused enterprises grow and thrive. As Ireland’s largest social finance foundation, Clann Credo has been instrumental in providing affordable community loan finance for community projects.

Clann Credo has a number of success stories and case studies that demonstrate the positive impact of their work. For example, Clann Credo provided a loan to a hospital in Cavan to build a new hospice facility. This facility provides end-of-life care for patients and their families, and has been a tremendous success.

Another success story involves a social enterprise in Carlow that provides training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Clann Credo provided a loan to help this enterprise expand its operations and increase its impact.

Clann Credo’s success stories also include a number of community groups that have benefited from their loans. These groups have used the loans to fund a variety of projects, including community centres, sports clubs, and environmental initiatives.

Overall, Clann Credo’s success stories and case studies demonstrate the positive impact of social finance. By providing affordable loans to community-focused enterprises, Clann Credo is helping to build stronger communities and improve the lives of people across Ireland.

Expertise and Knowledge

Clann Credo is a community loan finance organisation that has been transforming communities and the lives of many for several years. They work with voluntary and community groups, charities, social enterprises and amateur sports clubs around the country.

One of the key strengths of Clann Credo is their expert knowledge of the community and voluntary sector. They have a team of regionally based specialist staff with local knowledge who are dedicated to assisting clients through the process from start to finish. This ensures that clients receive personalised support and advice that is tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

Clann Credo’s expert knowledge and experience enables them to identify the financial potential of community and voluntary projects. They only lend to projects that have a social impact, which means that clients can be assured that their project will have a positive impact on their community.

Clann Credo’s specialist staff have extensive experience working with community and voluntary organisations, which means that they have a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing these organisations. This expertise and knowledge enables them to provide clients with the support and advice they need to succeed.

In summary, Clann Credo’s expertise and knowledge of the community and voluntary sector, combined with their specialist staff and local knowledge, makes them a valuable partner for any community or voluntary organisation looking to make a positive impact in their community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rethink Ireland and how is it related to Clann Credo?

Rethink Ireland is a non-profit organisation that aims to promote social innovation and create positive social change in Ireland. Clann Credo is a partner of Rethink Ireland and works closely with them to provide funding and support for social enterprises and community organisations across Ireland.

Are there any loans similar to Provident Ireland that Clann Credo offers?

Clann Credo offers a range of loan products specifically designed for social enterprises and community organisations, including the Community Impact Loan Fund, Sports Loan Fund, Climate Action Loan Fund, and Youth Loan Fund. These loans are not the same as the loans provided by Provident Ireland.

What is an RP Loan and how does it differ from Clann Credo’s loans?

An RP Loan is a type of loan provided by the Irish government to support renewable energy projects. Clann Credo does not provide RP Loans, but they do offer the Climate Action Loan Fund, which provides funding for projects that promote environmental sustainability and combat climate change.

Does Clann Credo offer payday loans or quick cash loans in Cork?

No, Clann Credo does not offer payday loans or quick cash loans. Their loan products are specifically designed for social enterprises and community organisations, and they do not provide loans for personal use.

Are there any quick loans available in Ireland through Clann Credo without a guarantor?

Clann Credo does not provide quick loans without a guarantor. Their loan products require the borrower to have a strong business plan and a sustainable source of income.

What measures has Clann Credo taken to combat loan sharks in Kildare?

Clann Credo works closely with local communities and organisations to raise awareness about the dangers of loan sharks and provide alternative sources of funding. They also provide training and support for community organisations to help them develop sustainable business models and access funding through legitimate sources.

More more information please visit: https://www.clanncredo.ie/