Local housing causes to benefit as Nationwide opens grant application process

Local charitable organisations in/across Lancashire and Merseyside have new opportunity to benefit from grants of up to £50,000
Nationwide Building Society is working with the Community Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside
Grants available to tackle housing issues in local communities
Application process now open

Local community housing projects and charities are being urged to put their case forward as Nationwide, the world’s largest building society, makes £500,000 available to help make a difference to communities across the region.

The Society is inviting applications for grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 for housing projects that will support the most vulnerable in local communities.

So far Nationwide has awarded £4 million in grants to more than 100 projects and will be investing £5.5 million in housing projects across the UK per year. The programme is being delivered with support from UK Community Foundations, the national network for all accredited Community Foundations across the country.

Charities, community land trusts and housing co-operatives in/across Lancashire and Merseyside can apply for grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 for one or two years to make a change in their local area. The application process closes on 5 July and successful applicants will be notified by the end of September.

Rae Brooke, Chief Executive for the Community Foundation for Lancashire and Merseyside, said: “Finding safe, affordable and sustainable housing is a growing challenge for communities across our region. That’s why we’re proud to work with Nationwide Building Society to fund the organisations tackling this issue on the ground and supporting those who need it most.”

Projects funded previously through the programme include:

The Bond Board: To pilot a project to use a number of properties in Rochdale and Bolton in the private rented sector working with residents, landlords and letting agents on different tenancy lengths to meet needs and researching the impact
Key Unlocking Futures: To provide a wide range of tenancy support and advice services for young people in Preston and South Ribble. The provision also gave young people access to a tenancy start up fund
The Whitechapel Centre: To expand their shared accommodation provision in Liverpool for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The provision also included a range of tenancy support and money management advice

A Community Board, which is comprised of Nationwide members and employees, will review all the grant applications and award grants of up to a £50,000. The Board and Nationwide branches within the region will also be providing time and expertise to these charities.

Full details can be found at www.nationwide.co.uk/communityfunding, in local Nationwide branches in this region or by contacting the local Community Foundation.

Organisations across Lancashire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester can apply by clicking here: www.cfmerseyside.org.uk/funds/nationwide-building-society-community-grants

Community Foundations for Lancashire and Merseyside will be holding a funding advice session for the Nationwide Community Grants Programme on Wednesday 26 June from 1.30pm to 4.30 pm. This will provide prospective applicants with an opportunity to discuss their application with a representative from the Foundation. 30 minute slots are available to discuss applications over the phone. To book a slot, please email applications@cflm.email or ring 0330 440 4900.