Yorkshire Bank to recognise country's community spirit

4th February 2013

A call has gone out to community groups across England to enter a new awards scheme which will donate £75,000 to organisations making a real difference in their local areas.

The Spirit of the Community Awards has been launched by Yorkshire Bank which will make substantial donations to voluntary groups in each of three categories; education, employability and environment. The aim is to recognise registered charities and not-for-profit groups going the extra mile.

The awards will be open to a range of organisations right across the third sector who can demonstrate their support for the community. This could include groups promoting access to financial education, helping equip people for the workplace and those focused on protecting and improving the environment.

There will be an overall winning group in each of the three categories which will secure £10,000 of funding, along with three highly commended that will each be awarded £5,000.

David Thorburn, Chief Executive of Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks, said: “The economic environment has been particularly challenging for many not for profit organisations and voluntary groups. Despite increased financial pressures, many continue to provide an invaluable service, often with very little recognition.

“These awards will recognise the vital support that community organisations provide for thousands of people across the UK.”

Yorkshire Bank’s sister organisation, Clydesdale Bank, is celebrating its 175th Anniversary this year and will award £175,000 to local programmes as part of the Spirit of the Community Awards initiative. This brings the total funds available for community groups up and down the country to a quarter of a million pounds.

Groups wishing to enter should go into their local Yorkshire Bank branch to get an application form, or visit www.ybonline.co.uk/foundation Entries will be open until Sunday 31st March and winners will be announced in July.