Groups urged to apply for Bright Ideas funding

COMMUNITY groups are being encouraged to chase a funding bonanza through an initiative for innovative projects.

KBC Bank Ireland is calling on local groups to apply for the funding through its Bright Ideas initiative.

A total fund of

?¬100,000 is available for creative projects that can demonstrate tangible ways to transform, improve or rejuvenate any aspect of Irish community life.

Following a successful first year of the initiative, KBC’s Bright Ideas returns for a second year to reward unique community projects with multiple winners selected across the country.

In addition, this year 10 winners will be selected by KBC’s judging panel to enter a public vote for Ireland’s

‘Brightest Idea’, with an additional

?¬5,000 funding reserved for the overall winning project.

One of the winning projects in Dublin last year was the Forget-Me-Nots, an inclusive choir on the Northside for older people, family, friends, carers and neighbours, especially those affected by dementia and memory loss.

The choir meets every Tuesday morning from 11am to 12.30pm in Baldoyle Community Hall.

A year after entering Bright Ideas, the choir has used the

?¬4,000 funding it received to hire a dedicated choral director, develop new musical scores and achieve a higher performance standard. The choir now provides a regular social outlet for its members, their family and carers – with camaraderie, music and joy at the heart of this unique initiative for a better, more inclusive community in North Dublin.

Orla Horn of Forget-Me-Nots has advice for this year’s applicants to the Bright Ideas initiative.

“Look at where there is a manageable project that is scalable, but where you can start off simple and bring people together,

? said Ms Horn.

“Sometimes it’s the simple things that bring joy to people’s lives.

“Look to fill a demand that people don’t even know they have and reach out to people who don’t have an outlet.

?

Aidan Power, Head of Brand and Marketing at KBC Bank Ireland, said Bright Ideas was developed in recognition of local projects by local people working to transform their communities.

“As KBC expands and opens retail outlets in new locations around the country, we know that we too have a role to play in community life,

? said Mr Power.

“Our Bright Ideas initiative is about helping to transform and improve local communities by providing much-needed funding and support for local projects that are truly innovative.

The closing date for applications is April 30.