Cheshire Foundation
The Cheshire established a Community Support Programme in 1997 which has benefited many local charities and community groups in the North West. Our work has seen us recognised as a leader in the building societies’ sector in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility. We have been acknowledged by the Building Societies Association as an example of best practice.
The aim of the Cheshire Foundation is to improve the way we offer support to our local community, making it more transparent and sustainable and easier for charities to apply.
The Foundation makes decisions on funding applications through a Board of Foundation members made up of staff, members and people from the local community. The application form is simple and we aim to make it easy to apply and for people to see exactly how it fits with our policy.
But it’s not just about financial donations, we want to work with local communities on sustainable projects, evaluating the benefits and improving people’s lives. Whether that be through staff volunteering, donations of office equipment or staff expertise, we believe that we can make a real difference.
The Foundation meets quarterly to consider applications for funding above £150 and, for smaller projects, we have introduced a new Community Contribution Award which enables local Branch Managers to support projects in their area.
Our support falls into five areas:
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Educational projects - Working together with organisations to develop understanding and value of education at all levels. We will look at projects that are linked to the national curriculum and also we are interested in innovative ways of bringing education to life for everyone. |
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Community Support - We recognise that this can encompass a wide range of activities. We will consider all applications as long as they do not fall into one of the areas listed below. |
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Social Inclusion - We will support projects that aim to ensure everyone, regardless of their background, experience and circumstances, can gain access to the services and facilities they need to achieve their own potential in life. |
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Grass Roots Sport - We believe there are real benefits in encouraging young people to become involved in sporting projects. This may be through a local team, an event or a development programme. We will consider funding projects that will motivate young people into becoming active and so improve their physical, mental well being and their social awareness. |
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Financial Education - We recognise our responsibility as a lender by offering support to projects that encourage financial awareness and also those that aim to alleviate the problems associated with debt. |
Cheshire Foundation will not provide support for the following:
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Political, religious or military organisations (ex-service charities may be supported in some cases)
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Overseas charities
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Sponsorship of individuals
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Third-party funding (donations to a person or organisation for onward transmission to a charity)
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NHS Funding
So, if you feel that your project falls into one of these categories and you would like to request help from the Foundation, please take a look at how to apply.
