Local Housing Causes Benefit From £500,000 As Nationwide Grant Opens

5 Jun 2019

Local community housing projects and charities are being urged to put their case forward as Nationwide, the world’s largest building society, makes £500,000 available to help make a difference to communities across the region.

The Society is inviting applications for grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 for housing projects that will support the most vulnerable in local communities.

So far Nationwide has awarded £4 million in grants to more than 100 projects and will be investing £5.5 million in housing projects across the UK per year. The programme is being delivered with support from UK Community Foundations, the national network for all accredited Community Foundations across the country.

Charities, community land trusts and housing co-operatives Northern Ireland can apply for grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 for one or two years to make a change in their local area. The application process closes on 5 July and successful applicants will be notified by the end of September.

Orla Black, Grants Director, at the Foundation said: “Housing issues are a growing challenge for communities across Northern Ireland. That’s why we’re proud to work with Nationwide Building Society to fund the organisations tackling this issue on the ground and supporting those who need it most.”

Katherine Rose, Local Director of Nationwide, said: “In 2007, our members voted for us to donate at least one percent of our pre-tax profits to good causes and asked that we focus on tackling housing issues. We recognise there is a housing crisis, resulting in many people living in unsuitable, insecure or unaffordable accommodation. So, to help make a real and lasting difference, we are aiming to make £5.5 million available in grant funding for housing-related charities and organisations across the UK per year.

“We are delighted to open the local application process and encourage housing related charities and organisations to apply so that they can collectively benefit from the £500,000 award that is available to communities across Northern Ireland.”

Previous Projects

Projects previously supported through this fund include; Fermanagh Women’s Aid, who are working to eliminate Domestic and Sexual Violence, and L’Arche Belfast, a community project providing housing support services for adults with learning disabilities in Belfast.

A Community Board, which is comprised of Nationwide members and employees, will review all the grant applications and award grants of up to a £50,000. The Board and Nationwide branches within the region will also be providing time and expertise to these charities.

Grant open now, closing 5th July 2019.
More details can be found on our grants page.