Bank announces recipients of Impact Grants totalling £30k
Unity Trust Bank has announced the recipients of its inaugural Impact Grant programme, which was created as part of its 40th birthday pledge to make £40,000 in charitable donations this year.
Since its launch in September, the initiative received over 140 entries from socially-minded organisations across the UK.
Due to the strength of applications, Unity has awarded £5,000 grants to six organisations rather than three - doubling the bank’s original promise.
The successful recipients are:
- Bee Wirral, a non-profit community organisation dedicated to supporting people in Birkenhead through activities, services and training, with a focus on addressing social isolation and poor mental health.
- Church of the Martyrs Baby Basics in Leicester, which provides essentials for the well-being and development of new babies and siblings born into disadvantaged families.
- Compass Disability Services, a user-led charity in Taunton, established by and for people with personal lived experience of disability and / or caring for a loved one.
- Cumbria Action for Sustainability, providing environmental services, projects and climate solutions to individuals, communities and organisations across Cumbria.
- Harbour Ayrshire, a Scotland-based, trauma-informed organisation that provides support to individuals affected by addiction, mental health challenges, homelessness and violence.
- Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust, which collaborates with the local community to safeguard the environment, protect green spaces and provide engagement programmes to help people connect with nature.
The Unity Impact Grant initiative is part of the bank’s employee-led ‘Unity & Me’ programme, which was established to empower staff to deliver positive outcomes for employees, communities and the planet.
As part of the programme, Unity staff can take part in the bank’s voluntary salary sacrifice scheme, to help support charitable initiatives that deliver positive impact.
The £5,000 Impact Grant for Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust was wholly funded by Unity staff donations.
Wider employee-driven fundraising activities this year have raised £20,500 for 24 good causes across the UK, including organisations that have been chosen directly by staff.
The Impact Grant programme takes the total amount of charitable donations raised and donated by Unity to more than £50,500 – exceeding its 40th birthday goal.
Joshua Meek, chief impact officer at Unity Trust Bank, said: “We were incredibly impressed by the strength and breadth of applications, which is a fitting reflection of the vital community impact being delivered by socially-minded organisations all across the UK.
“As a values-based bank, it’s our mission to help create a better society. It’s a privilege to highlight the important work of these diverse winners, who are delivering brilliant work to service users in their local communities.”
Following the success of this year’s inaugural Unity Impact Grant, the bank has pledged to more than double the amount of grant funding available next year, as it establishes the scheme as a permanent annual initiative.
Catherine Tierney, ‘Unity & Me’ Grants & Donations lead at Unity Trust Bank, added: “Our charity donations and fundraising activities are an integral part of our company values and history, as we work to give back to society and make a positive difference.”
Pictured: Steven Lovell, relationship manager at Unity Trust Bank (centre) with staff and service users at Compass Disability Services, one of six recipients of a Unity Impact Grant
