The Cambridge Building Society has announced key updates to its Community Fund, which aims to support local charities and community groups addressing housing and homelessness.
Recent developments include the addition of a new member panellist, a substantial increase in The Fund's resources, and the awarding of nearly £30,000 in grants to three local charities.
The Cambridge welcomes Jodie Welch as its first member panellist for the Cambridge Building Society Community Fund. Jodie, a transport planner at Stantec in Cambridge, brings valuable expertise and passion to this role. Recognised for her contributions to the community, she received the ‘Young Property Person of the Year Award’ at the 2022 Eastern Echo Awards. Jodie has also volunteered with Jimmys Cambridge and became the first LandAid Ambassador for the Eastern Region, reflecting her commitment to addressing housing issues.
As a panellist, Jodie will play a crucial role in evaluating grant applications and helping guide funding decisions to support initiatives that improve housing access and alleviate homelessness.
Since The Fund's launch in 2020 it has awarded over £161,000 in grants to various housing projects and campaigns.
To support this good work, the Society has added an extra £135,000 to the Community Fund by taking part in the UK Government backed Dormant Assets Scheme. The scheme allows financial institutions to use dormant funds for public good.
In the latest round of funding, nearly £30,000 has been awarded to three local charities committed to supporting those in need.
Cambridge Re-Use received £10,000 to support its mission of providing essential furniture to individuals living in poverty or at risk of homelessness. This grant will enable the charity to fund van drivers, ensuring the collection and delivery of donated furniture to those in need.
Citizens Advice Rural Cambridgeshire was awarded £10,000 to fund a specialist housing adviser for one day per week. This role is crucial in providing housing-related advice through phone, email, and face-to-face appointments, supporting approximately 100 vulnerable individuals.
Papworth Trust received £9,638 to renovate a two-bedroom bungalow, making it accessible for disabled individuals. This project will enable residents to live independently, enhancing their quality of life and fostering independence.
Dan Haynes, IT Manager and Community Fund panellist at The Cambridge Building Society, said: “We are thrilled to enhance our Community Fund with additional funding, which will further our mission to support charities dedicated to housing and homelessness."
"We are also excited to welcome Jodie Welch to our panel; her expertise and dedication to community service will be invaluable in guiding our grant allocation decisions.
"Our commitment to supporting local organisations, like Cambridge Re-Use, Papworth Trust, and Citizens Advice Rural Cambridgeshire, remains strong, especially during these challenging times. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
The Cambridge Building Society Community Fund is now accepting grant applications from local charities and community groups. Organisations within a 15-mile radius of our branch network are encouraged to apply for grants of up to £10,000. Applications for the current round are open until the start of November.
For more information about the Community Fund and how to apply, please visit www.cambridgebs.co.uk.
Image: Dan Haynes, IT Manager and Community Fund Panellist at The Cambridge, Jodie Welch, Community Fund Member Panellist, Peter Burrows, Chief Executive and Community Fund Panellist at The Cambridge, Louise Harper, People Manager and Community Fund Panellist at The Cambridge.
