AIB has launched the fifth year of the annual AIB Community €1 Million Fund with the support of well-known radio personality, Pete Snodden. The fund will support more than 70 charities across the Island of Ireland in 2026, helping to deliver meaningful change at local level.
Since its launch in 2022, the AIB Community €1 Million Fund has supported almost 300 charities across the island of Ireland, including Northern Ireland organisations such as Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Cancer Focus NI and Down Right Brilliant.
Nominations for this year’s Fund open on Friday 8th May. AIB is inviting customers, colleagues and the wider public to nominate registered charities that reflect the causes and communities that matter most to them.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) which was awarded £15,000 in 2025 and says the impact has allowed them to fund the 2026 ‘Meet the Lifeguard’ programme, an educational initiative delivered by lifeguards to schools and communities.
“Receiving the funding from the AIB Community €1 Million Fund has enabled us to continue our work in the community by raising awareness of water safety to prevent drowning” said Killian O’Kelly, RNLI Fundraising and Partnership Lead.
“We were beyond delighted and extremely grateful to have received this support. We are touched by everyone in the local community who nominated us and would encourage everyone to nominate the charities close to their hearts and vital to their communities.”
The Community €1 Million Fund is allocated through an online nomination process, with one stream for AIB customers and the wider public, and another for AIB employees. AIB will donate €760,000 to charities chosen by customers and the community, with a further €300,000 allocated to charities selected by employees.
In 2026, to mark 60 years of the AIB brand in the Republic of Ireland, the bank will make a one‑off additional contribution of €60,000 to the Community Fund. This will provide an extra €10,000 for each region, supporting a wider range of community‑based projects and initiatives.
Brian Gillan, Head of AIB NI, said: “With the AIB Community €1 Million Fund now in its fifth year, it’s a pleasure to launch this initiative once again. Community and local connection are at the heart of life in Northern Ireland, and through the Fund we’re proud to support the charities and community groups doing such important work right across the region.
This year’s additional funding means we can extend that support even further, helping more organisations to make a real and lasting difference in their local communities. Supporting our customers, colleagues and communities to thrive remains central to what we do, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of this year’s Fund across Northern Ireland.”
Joining AIB and RNLI at this year’s launch, broadcaster Pete Snodden said: “Community support is more important than ever, which is why I’m proud to help spread the word and encourage nominations to the AIB Community €1 Million Fund. This initiative makes a real and tangible difference to organisations working at the heart of communities right across the island of Ireland.”
Nominations open on May 8th and close at 5pm on June 19th. Full details on how to nominate and information on the AIB Community €1 Million Fund are available ataibni.co.uk/community