About the Guide

Social Finance Foundation (SFF), in partnership with PTSB and Community Finance Ireland (CFI), has developed this practical How-to Guide to support community groups, voluntary organisations and social enterprises in accessing social finance.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening communities across Ireland by improving access to funding for projects that deliver meaningful social impact.

A Practical Resource for Community Organisations

The guide is designed as a straightforward, accessible resource that organisations can use at any stage of their funding journey whether you are exploring social finance for the first time or preparing to apply.

It explains clearly what social finance is, who it is for, and how it can support projects that may not qualify for traditional bank lending. With flexible terms and no requirement for personal guarantees, social finance enables organisations to progress projects that deliver real benefits within their communities.

Supporting Community Impact

Since its establishment, Social Finance Foundation has enabled more than €250 million in funding to over 2,200 community and voluntary organisations across Ireland—supporting projects across social enterprises, community sport, social care, climate action, heritage and community and voluntary groups.

This impact has been made possible through the continued support of the Irish banking sector, including the Banking & Payments Federation Ireland, PTSB, AIB, and Bank of Ireland, alongside partners such as the Council of Europe Development Bank and the European Investment Fund, reflecting a strong collaborative approach to developing the social finance ecosystem in Ireland.

A Shared Commitment

At its core, this guide is about enabling communities to take the next step.  By combining the strengths of Social Finance Foundation, Community Finance Ireland, and the ongoing support of PTSB and the wider Irish partners, it provides a clear pathway for organisations to turn ambition into action—helping to build stronger, more inclusive communities across Ireland.