Bright Ideas can win €100,000

Community groups across Galway city and county are invited to unveil their bright ideas – and claims a slice of a €100,000 fund for their dream projects.

KBC’s Bright Ideas community support initiative returns for a third year to support individuals and organisations which are transforming and improving the lives of others in their locality.

This year’s initiative will be promoted across seven different geographic regions, including Galway, reflecting KBC’s expanding network of retail banking hubs in Ireland.

A new ‘Green’ category has also been created to recognise the importance of environmentally friendly projects in communities nationwide. A dedicated prize of €2,500 will be given to the overall winner of this category.

Over the last two years, 70 creative and innovative local community projects have received funding through Bright Ideas, breathing new life into a diverse range of schemes.

These have included creating community based amenities for the elderly and people with special needs, sporting and educational activities for young people, community wellbeing resources, arts and culture initiatives, as well as urban renewal projects.

Among previous winners from Galway was the Tribesmen Rowing Club which received €3,500 in funding for its “Rowing to Recovery” project.

“Rowing to Recovery” helps women recovering from breast cancer to regain strength in their upper body through specially adapted rowing techniques. The funding has helped the volunteers to grow and develop their unique programme, the only one of its kind in the West of Ireland.

Being able to purchase lighter oars means the women drag less water when rowing and can focus the rowing movement on the upper body, which is highly beneficial for rebuilding strength after a mastectomy.

Robbie Winkles, a volunteer with the programme, commented; “If it’s an idea you believe in, don’t be afraid to put it forward, as KBC are looking for ideas outside the box. “

More than 300 community projects applied to KBC’s Bright Ideas for funding last year.

Entries will be reviewed by local independent judging panels located in seven geographical regions that correspond with KBC’s hub network – including Galway.

The judges’ top 14 projects will then go forward to the national final for public vote for the Brightest Idea – two regional winners will be selected from the seven geographical locations.

Applications for Bright Ideas funding can be submitted through the bank’s easy to use online application portal at www.kbcbrightideas.com, where last year’s winning projects are also featured if inspiration is needed.

The closing date for applications is May 31.