Insurance comparison platform CompareNI has announced the return of its Fish4Funds community initiative for a second year.
The programme will award £1,000 to five local clubs or community groups across Northern Ireland, providing financial support for their activities. Launched in 2024, Fish4Funds aims to assist clubs that face financial pressures, with a focus on sports and community groups.
The initiative follows research revealing that 40% of families in Northern Ireland are involved in local clubs or teams, and that these groups play a significant role in the local community. However, the research also found that 23% of respondents knew of clubs that had been forced to close or reduce their operations due to financial difficulties.
The programme’s first year saw £5,000 distributed to five clubs, namely, Carrickfergus Bowling Club, Ardmore Cricket Club in Derry/Londonderry, Ballintoy Young at Heart Club, Shaw’s Angling Club in Armagh, and Enniskillen Town United Youth Football Club. The funds helped cover costs such as equipment, new kits, and venue hire.
Ian Wilson, managing director at CompareNI, stated that the success of the initiative in its first year exceeded expectations, with nearly 100 clubs applying for funding. He confirmed that clubs that entered during the previous year would remain eligible for the second year’s draw. Wilson also highlighted the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting local initiatives alongside its core work in helping consumers save money on insurance and other household products.
Wilson also noted that many community clubs are struggling financially, which makes initiatives like Fish4Funds important for ensuring their continued operation. The funding allows clubs to invest in resources that support local engagement, particularly in areas such as sports and recreation.
The Fish4Funds programme will run from April 2025 to April 2026, with five additional winners to be selected throughout the year. Clubs and community groups from all sectors across Northern Ireland are invited to apply via an online form.
CompareNI.com provides price comparison services for a variety of products, including insurance, and offers additional savings opportunities through cashback and discounts.
