Community housing projects and charities are being urged to put their case forward as Nationwide – the UK’s biggest building society – makes £500,000 available to help make a difference to local communities.
The Society is inviting applications for grants of up to £50,000 that have the potential to strengthen communities by supporting the most vulnerable with housing needs. Projects could range from finding new approaches to increasing the supply of housing or by reinventing renting for both tenants and landlords.
Applications will be accepted from across the Central region, which includes Buckinghamshire’s four districts.
A Nationwide spokesperson said:
As a building society, ensuring that everyone has a place fit to call home is at the heart of what we do.
We recognise there is a housing crisis, resulting in many people living in unsuitable, insecure or unaffordable accommodation. So, we are delighted to be able to award £500,000 to communities across the central region to support housing projects and make a real difference.
We urge local housing projects and charities in that area to get involved and make an application, so we can make a real difference and deliver the best possible results, together.
A Community Board, which is comprised of Nationwide members, employees and housing experts has been appointed. The Board 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, contacts and expertise to these charities.
So far Nationwide has awarded £1.25 million in grants to 43 projects in other parts of the UK. This is part of a wider Community Grants programme which Nationwide is investing £22 million in housing projects across the UK over five years.
Nationwide is now inviting applications for housing community projects in the Central region. Full details can be found at www.nationwide.co.uk/communityfunding or in local Nationwide branches.
“This is a fantastic way for them to make a difference to their local communities and tell us exactly where our funding should be focused – after all, our members know their communities better than anyone else, both in the South West and across other regions of the UK. We urge local housing projects and charities in that area to get involved and make an application, so we can make a real difference and deliver the best possible results, together.”
This fund is being administered by Heart of England Community Foundation. For more information about this fund please click here.
