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 £7 million in grants to more than 180 projects and will be investing over £20 million in housing projects across the UK over 5 years. 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 Hertfordshire 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 deadline to apply is Friday 22 November at 5pm.
Helen Gray at Hertfordshire Community Foundation said: “Finding safe, affordable and sustainable housing is a growing challenge for communities across Hertfordshire. 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.”
Andrew Westhead, Nationwide’s Regional Director for the East of England Region said: “In 2007, our members voted for us to donate at least one percent of our pre-tax profits to good causes and asked that we focus on tackling housing issues. We recognise there is a housing crisis, resulting in many people living in unsuitable, insecure or unaffordable accommodation. So, to help make a real and lasting difference, we are aiming to make over £20 million available in grant funding for housing-related charities and organisations across the UK over 5 years. We are delighted to open the local application process and encourage housing related charities and organisations to apply so that they can collectively benefit from the £500,000 award that is available to communities across the East of England.”
Projects funded previously through the programme include:
- DENS: to help those with complex needs settle into the private rented sector, learn how to maintain their tenancy and become more independent in Dacorum.
- Safer Places: to employ a Housing Support Officer for one year to work with women and families affected by domestic violence to find long term housing.
- REACH Community Project: to employ a Debt Advisor for one year to increase free face-to-face debt and housing advice offered to vulnerable people.
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
HERE