AIB has officially commenced the fifth year of its Community €1 Million Fund, with popular radio personality Pete Snodden helping to launch the 2026 initiative. The fund is set to provide vital financial assistance to over 70 charities across the island of Ireland this year, continuing its mission to drive local social change. Since the fund was established in 2022, it has benefited nearly 300 charitable organisations. Notable recipients in Northern Ireland have included the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Down Right Brilliant, and Cancer Focus NI. Nominations for the current cycle opened on Friday 8 May. AIB is calling on the general public, customers, and its own staff to nominate registered charities that are making a difference in their local areas. The RNLI, which received £15,000 from the fund in 2025, has used the grant to finance its 2026 'Meet the Lifeguard' programme. This educational scheme involves lifeguards visiting schools and community groups to promote water safety. Killian O'Kelly, RNLI Fundraising and Partnership Lead, commented: "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. 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 allocation of the fund is split into two streams via an online nomination process. AIB will donate €760,000 to charities nominated by the public and customers, while the remaining €300,000 is reserved for causes selected by AIB employees. To celebrate 60 years of the AIB brand in the Republic of Ireland, the bank is also providing a one-off additional contribution of €60,000 in 2026. This bonus will see an extra €10,000 distributed to each region, allowing for even broader support of community initiatives. Brian Gillan, Head of AIB NI, stated: "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." Broadcaster Pete Snodden added that the initiative provides "real and tangible" support to organisations working at the core of local communities. The nomination window remains open until 5pm on 19 June. Detailed information on the nomination process can be found at aibni.co.uk/community.