Who Clann Credo lends to
Clann Credo is a registered charity based in Inchicore in Dublin. It describes its work as making fair and flexible lending accessible to every community in Ireland.
It is one of two social lenders funded by the Social Finance Foundation, which the Government set up in 2007 because community organisations and social enterprises found it hard to borrow from mainstream lenders. The other is Community Finance Ireland, which publishes a range of €10,000 to €600,000.
Its borrowers are community and voluntary groups, charities, sports clubs, community businesses and social enterprises. In September 2025 it said it had provided over €218 million to more than 1,600 community organisations since 1996.
It says it assesses every project on its social impact and community benefit, not on the numbers alone.
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Who cannot borrow
Clann Credo is not for a privately owned business, a sole trader or an individual. The Social Finance Foundation describes social finance as a loan to a not-for-profit organisation.
If you run a private business, start with the State-backed lender that takes on small firms the banks refuse. If you run a social enterprise, there is also grant and investment money aimed at social enterprises.
What it has published about its loans
Clann Credo's website was a holding page when we checked on 3 October 2026, with no loan terms on it. The figures below come from a newsletter it sent to community groups in September 2025. Rates may have changed since.
| Loan | Amount | Rate and term | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard loans | Not stated | 5.95% standard rate | Community organisations |
| Next Generation | Up to €800,000 | 5.2% over up to 15 years, secured on the property | Groups running for more than three years that want to buy their land or building |
| Acorn Fund pilot | €5,000 to €15,000 | 5%. Term loans up to 5 years, bridging loans up to 24 months | New and emerging groups in underserved areas |
It said neither new loan needs a personal guarantee, and that there are no fees or penalties for repaying early. The Acorn Fund has no arrangement fee.
The Acorn Fund was a €250,000 pilot, open for 12 months from September 2025. Ask whether it is still running.
Inland Fisheries Ireland, which points angling clubs to Clann Credo, lists the kinds of finance it offers: bridging loans against grants, loans to buy, build or refurbish property, working capital, matching funding, and loans for equipment and vehicles.
Bridging a grant
Many public grants are paid only after the work is done and paid for. A bridging loan covers the gap and is repaid when the grant arrives.
The Social Finance Foundation says about one third of the loans it funds are bridging loans for community and sports grants. If your group is waiting on a LEADER grant for a rural community project, ask Clann Credo about bridging it.
In the seven western counties, the Western Development Commission offers its own bridging loans against LEADER grant offers.
How to apply
- Ring 01 400 2100 or email info@clanncredo.ie. The website has no application form at present.
- Explain what your organisation does, what the loan is for and how it will be repaid. Inland Fisheries Ireland says Clann Credo does not use long generic application forms and talks each application through in person or by phone.
- Ask for the current interest rate, the term, and whether security is needed.
- Ask what documents it wants. It has not published a checklist.
Its postal address is the Irish Social Finance Centre, 10 Grattan Crescent, Inchicore, Dublin 8, D08 R240.
Clann Credo does not publish how long a decision takes.
Common questions
Can a private business borrow from Clann Credo?
No. Clann Credo lends to community and voluntary organisations, charities, sports clubs and social enterprises. A privately owned business or an individual is outside what it funds.
What interest rate does Clann Credo charge?
The last rates it published were in September 2025: a standard rate of 5.95%, 5.2% on its Next Generation property loan and 5% on its Acorn Fund pilot. Its website has no rates on it at present, so confirm the current rate by phone.
Does Clann Credo ask for personal guarantees?
No. In its September 2025 newsletter it said personal guarantees are not required, as always with Clann Credo. Its Next Generation loan is secured on the land or building being bought.
Is Clann Credo still lending while its website is being rebuilt?
Its site showed a holding page on 3 October 2026 that says a new website is on the way and gives a phone number and an email address. The Social Finance Foundation's annual report for 2025 names Clann Credo as one of its two lending partners.
What is the difference between Clann Credo and Community Finance Ireland?
Both are social lenders funded by the Social Finance Foundation, and both lend to community organisations and social enterprises, not private businesses. Community Finance Ireland also lends in Northern Ireland and has an online application form. Compare the terms each one quotes you.
Where this comes from
- Clann Credo, holding page with contact details
- Clann Credo, newsletter to community groups, September 2025, hosted by Meath Public Participation Network
- Social Finance Foundation, about the foundation and its lending partners
- Social Finance Foundation, how-to guide for community organisations, May 2026
- Social Finance Foundation, annual report 2025
- Inland Fisheries Ireland, bridging loans for angling clubs
- Charities Regulator, register entry for Clann Credo Limited
Checked on 3 October 2026. We are an independent guide, not a government service. Rules change, so confirm the detail on the official page before you apply.
Information only, not financial advice. GrantHub Ireland is not a lender or a broker and takes no commission or payment from any lender.