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Building Society launches £100,000 fund for local charities

ByReport2

Jan 23, 2025

A BUILDING society has launched a £100,000 fund for local charities.

Vernon Building Society has opened applications for the fund, which will be given to charities in Wirral.

The money is part of the society's long-running Community Stars initiative, and the new Vernon Charitable Foundation, which was launched to celebrate the Vernon’s centenary year in March 2024.

Colleagues from Vernon Building Society volunteering for the Together Trust (Image: Supplied) This year, the society wants to donate funds to charities that provide relief of poverty and community development.

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The organisation has asked charities to apply for the funding before Friday, February 7.

Darren Ditchburn, new CEO of Vernon Building Society, said: "Our Charitable Foundation funding application is now open, and we’re eager to hear from local charities in the region that may be eligible to receive grants of up to £5,000.

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"We're specifically eager to support the relief of poverty and community development."

Local charity Mentell has received donations from Vernon Building Society (Image: Supplied) The society has said it has a strong tradition of supporting local causes such as foster carers, hospices, mountain rescue, amateur boxing clubs, food banks, and community cafes.

Mr Ditchburn said: "We’re committed to our community and want to see our members and local residents thrive.

"We do this by helping them to own their home and grow their savings and by offering friendly and accessible high street branches where members can manage their money with ease.

"As a mutual, we invest our profits back into the society, which enables us to support local charities and community groups by providing our time and skills to help sustain their valuable initiatives, along with funding and sponsorships to provide them with financial sustainability.

"We believe that together, we’re greater."

Vernon Bear conducts Poynton Brass Band, who have been sponsored by Vernon Building Society for decades (Image: Supplied) In 2024, the building society gave £12,000 to 40 different grassroots organisations and social enterprises as part of its Community Stars programme.

This included £650 to Samaritans of Stockport and District, £500 to Arts for Recovery in the Community (ARC) and £500 to The Cherry Tree Project.

The deadline for grant applications is 4pm on Friday, February 7, 2025, and can be submitted online.

All successful applications will be notified within four weeks.

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