The Vernon Building Society has opened its Community Awards programme, giving local not-for-profit organisations the opportunity to boost their profile and access to funds to make a difference in the local community.
The Vernon Building Society has opened its Community Awards programme, giving local not-for-profit organisations the opportunity to boost their profile and access to funds to make a difference in the local community.
There is £10,000 on offer that will be split between not-for-profit organisations in the Stockport area with applications open until August 20.
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.”
Last year’s 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.
The Community Awards – previously named the Jubilee Fund – have handed out over £60,000 to more than 70 community groups and charities since 2012.
Last year Medequip4kids used its allocation to facilitate a children’s entertainer, ‘Louby Lou’ at Stepping Hill Hospital.
Taisie Wilson, corporate fundraiser at Medequip4kid, said: “Louby Lou is specially trained to work in hospitals with children who are undergoing unsettling times.
“This sort of support is invaluable to the children, their parents and carers alike. We were so grateful for being able to be involved last year and would love to take part again at some point again in the future.”
For a chance to be part of the award scheme, groups need to demonstrate that the funding received will make a difference in Stockport and provide a lasting benefit to the community. Organisations 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.
Charities and local organisations can apply at: www.thevernon.co.uk/apply for full details.
