Clock is Ticking for Community Groups Across Country To Enter Awards

27th February 2014

There’s still time for community groups in England to enter an awards programme and secure their share of a funding boost of £75,000 for organisations making a real difference in their local areas.

Yorkshire Bank’s Spirit of the Community Awards 2014 were launched earlier this year, following the success of the inaugural awards in 2013.

Community groups in England could receive a share of £75,000 by entering the initiative. Yorkshire Bank will make donations to registered charities and not-for-profit organisations in each of the three categories: education, employability and environment.

The awards are open to a range of organisations across the third sector who can demonstrate their support for the local community. This could include groups promoting access to financial education, helping to upskill people for the workplace or aiming to improve and protect 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 Yorkshire Bank, said: “Yorkshire Bank’s Spirit of the Community Awards aim to recognise and support the vital contribution that voluntary and charitable organisations make to their local communities and there’s still time for groups in England to enter the awards.

“The standard of entries last year was fantastic and we look forward to continuing our support for local communities again this year.”

Yorkshire Bank’s sister organisation, Clydesdale Bank, will also award £75,000 to local organisations as part of the programme. This brings the total funds available for community groups up and down the country to £150,000.

For further information about Yorkshire and Clydesdale Bank Foundation’s Spirit of the Community Awards or to enter, people can visit www.ybonline.co.uk/foundation or go into their local Yorkshire Bank branch to receive an application form.

The closing date for applications is 31st March 2014 and the winners will be announced in summer 2014.