Community Champions Award 2025!

People First Credit Union is proud to announce the third year of the Community Champions Award—a prestigious €10,000 prize created to celebrate and support the incredible work of volunteer groups within our common bond area. Launched in 2022, the award was first presented to Portlaoise Tidy Towns in recognition of their outstanding biodiversity project.

Now in its third year, this initiative reflects People First Credit Union’s continued commitment to nurturing community development and well-being. The €10,000 award is designed to empower a local volunteer group to create meaningful, lasting benefits for both their organisation and the wider community.

Carol Murphy, Marketing Manager at People First Credit Union, highlighted the vital role of volunteers:

Our credit union is powered by the spirit of volunteerism, It is with great pride that we continue the 'Community Champions Award' for a second year, building on the success of last year’s winner, Portlaoise Tidy Towns, and their remarkable biodiversity project.

The application process for the 'Community Champions Award' remains simple and accessible.

Application forms are available here.

The deadline for all applications is Friday 5th December at 5pm.

The three finalists will be announced during the Community and Voluntary Awards, with the overall winner set to be revealed at our Annual General Meeting in January 2026.

People First Credit Union sincerely thanks Laois County Council, the Laois Public Participation Network, and the voluntary Community Funding Committee for their steadfast support and valued partnership in bringing this meaningful initiative to life.

Volunteer groups interested in applying for the Community Champions Award are encouraged to visit the People First Credit Union website for more information and guidance on the application process.