There are just a few days left to apply for the Vernon Building Society Community Awards, previously known as The Jubilee Fund.
Through the Vernon Building Society Community Awards, the Stockport mutual is donating £10,000 to good causes in Stockport.
The Vernon Building Society maintains a continuous community programme and is determined to support local charities and organisations whenever they can. The Society’s Community Awards programme is currently open and gives local not-for-profit organisations the opportunity to boost their profile and have access to funds to make a real difference in the local community.
The Awards have provided over £60,000 to more than 70 community groups and charities since 2012.
Last year’s big winner was the Stockport County Community Foundation, which received a total of £1,862 after a public vote.
The Stockport County Community Foundation has used the donation to purchase new equipment for the 120 children and adults with a range of physical and learning disabilities that take part in the weekly sports sessions.
Adrian Rigby-Bates, Disability Football Development Officer, said:
“Being part of the process not only helped to raise much-needed funds for the project but also helped build awareness about the good work we do as a charity in the local community.
“We provide weekly coaching sessions and monthly football tournaments for people with disabilities and were desperately in need of new equipment for this project.
“The funding has been spent on football kits for children and adults, training bibs, footballs, ball bags, wheelchair football, training cones, plastic ladders, plastic hurdles, pop-up goals, water bottles, shin pads, goalkeeping gloves and first-aid kits. A heartfelt thanks to the Vernon Building Society for their support.”
Steve Fletcher, Chief Executive of the Vernon, said:
“Our Community Awards are another way in which we can recognise and support our communities, and we are always humbled and amazed by the tireless efforts of the individuals and groups going out of their way to make a real difference.”
Groups should demonstrate that the funding will make a difference in their area and provide a lasting benefit to the Stockport community.
All applications will be reviewed and finalists will be shortlisted by the Community Awards panel. These finalists will then be featured on the Society’s website and social media.
Each organisation will receive a minimum of £200 with the remainder being distributed based on a public vote.
Groups can apply at www.thevernon.co.uk/apply but must be based in, or benefit, the postcode areas SK1, SK2, SK3, SK4, SK5, SK6, SK7, SK8 or SK12.
Applications supporting individuals or individual sponsorships, political activities, promotion of religious causes, activities that benefit animals or commercial enterprises won’t be considered.