Scottish Building Society marks AGM with funding boost for charities
The Scottish Building Society marked its 2024 Annual General Meeting last week by announcing a third round of funding to aid local charities and good causes across the country.
The Scottish Building Society Foundation was established last year, in partnership with Foundation Scotland.
It was set up to mark their 175th Anniversary, with a pledge of £175,000 to be distributed over several years, with several funding rounds per year.
Prior to the Foundation being set up, the Scottish Building Society was already very active in charitable activities, and each year asked members to vote for a Charity of the Year. Colleagues in Head Office and Relationship Centres also raised funds through volunteering and fundraising events.
The intention for the Scottish Building Society Foundation was that Grant monies could act as a gateway to a sustainable future for vulnerable individuals and communities alike, and just under £60,000 has already been awarded. In this current round, applicants can apply for individual grants of up to £5,000.
Paul Denton, Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Building Society, said:
We were delighted to welcome our members to the AGM this year, and it seemed only right that we announce the latest round of funding for the Scottish Building Society Foundation, designed to support the fantastic causes which make a huge difference in their local areas.“The creation of the Foundation has formalised our commitment to giving back to communities and through this initiative, in just over twelve months, the Society and its members have already supported good causes right across Scotland, from Wick to Galashiels. Since the Foundation began, we’re encouraged by the variety of inspiring community groups and charities across Scotland and look forward to seeing how they use the funding to make a positive impact to the people in their towns and villages. We hope the Scottish Building Society Foundation will make a big difference to many people across the country and we look forward to supporting more good causes in the years ahead. By investing in good causes, the Society and its members are building stronger communities.
Applicable to a range of community groups and incentives, the Scottish Building Society Foundation particularly welcomes applications that support:
- Community facilities and services, transport, open spaces, affordable housing, community development, reduction of poverty, and care for the elderly
- Local community events
- Youth and education, providing training opportunities and support for vulnerable youngsters
The first phase of funding attracted 44 applications from across 11 local authority areas of Scotland, with nine successful applicants chosen to receive individual grants of up to £5,000 to help their cause.
Meanwhile, the second phase of funding attracted 33 applications from across 11 local authority areas of Scotland.
Find out more about the fund and how to apply here