Unity Trust Bank is inviting eligible customers to apply for a new Unity Impact Grant, as part of its 40th birthday pledge to make £40,000 in charitable donations this year.
In a first for the award-winning commercial bank, the scheme will provide grants of £5,000 to three socially-minded organisations to support their own projects – a total of £15,000.
Launching on 2 September, the initiative is part of the employee-led ‘Unity & Me’ programme, which was established to empower staff to deliver positive outcomes for employees, communities and planet.
Catherine Tierney, Credit Risk Manager at Unity Trust Bank, and lead of Unity & Me’s Donations pillar, said: “Being part of a bank with a social conscience means that our values are at the heart of everything we do. Our voluntary salary sacrifice scheme and fundraising activities form part of the fabric here at Unity as we work to give back to society.
“This year marks Unity’s milestone 40th birthday, so we wanted to do something extra special to reflect the bank’s commitment to deliver positive social impact in local communities.
“Unity has increased its charitable donation contribution to sit alongside funds raised by staff. This year, Unity aims to reach our £40,000 goal and the new Unity Impact Grants offer is a major part of our goal.
“Unity has already supported multiple good causes throughout the year, and we are well on the way to reaching our 2024 target having so far allocated £20,500 to 24 good causes across the UK, including organisations that have been chosen directly by Unity employees.”
Organisations include the London homelessness charity, Providence Row, through sponsorship of its rooftop vegetable garden; the Mazi Project’s community kitchen in Bristol, which helps disadvantaged people learn new skills; and the John Thorton Young Achievers Foundation in Dorset, which provides scholarships and bursaries for young people.
Other fundraising activities include the recent Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge, where 11 colleagues raised £3,700 by climbing Pen Y Fan, Cadair Idris and Snowdon inside 24 hours. This will be matched £2:£1 by Unity making a total donation of £11,100.
This year, Unity received the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development in recognition of its work supporting socially-minded customers and its own commitment to responsible business practices. It was also named as one The Sunday Times’ Best Place to Work.
For further information about the Unity Impact Grants programme and details on eligibility and how to apply, visit www.unity.co.uk/unityimpactgrant.
