The Union founded the Clongowes Union Benevolent Association in 1948 to help less fortunate members.  It is a Registered Charity (No: CHY 6441).

The main object of the Association is to provide such financial or other assistance as the Committee of the Association in its discretion shall think fit for or towards the relief of necessitous members of the Clongowes Union, or of necessitous relatives or dependents of living or deceased members of the Clongowes Union, or of necessitous current and former pupils of Clongowes Wood College or their relatives and/or partners.   The assistance can take the form of immediate financial grants or soft loans over an extended period, or it can be the provision of expert assistance or moral support at difficult times.

Illness and unemployment are probably the two biggest contributors to financial need.   While the pride of many who are genuinely in need (either for themselves or for their family members) can, on occasions, prevent help reaching to them, the Committee has a methodology whereby details of the needy stay confidential but permits help to get to where it will do most good.

In 2023 the Clongowes Union Benevolent Association became eligible to receive grants from Charities Aid Foundation America, Inc. (“CAF America”). CAF America is an entity that facilitates U.S. based donors to make donations to overseas charities of their choice, in full confidence that the designated charities have been fully vetted, grants are made for legitimate purposes and are in full compliance with U.S. laws as well as local government regulations.

We are always very grateful for assistance in identifying cases in which the Benevolent Association can play a supportive role of any kind.

If you would like to make a donation please complete one of our donation forms.