Published: December 11, 2024
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 Unity Impact Grant initiative is part of the bank’s employee-led ‘Unity & Me’ programme. It 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. This includes many 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 is the Chief Impact Officer at Unity Trust Bank. He said: “We were delighted by the overwhelming response to the launch of our Impact Grant scheme. We’d like to thank all those who applied. We were incredibly impressed by the strength and breadth of applications. They are 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. They are delivering brilliant work to service users in their local communities. We hope that our grants will help to further amplify their activity. The funding will ensure even greater impact can be made for those most in need.”
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 is the ‘Unity & Me’ Grants & Donations Lead at Unity Trust Bank. She added: “As we celebrate Unity’s milestone 40th birthday, we’re proud to be a business bank with a social conscience. Our charity donations and fundraising activities are an integral part of our company values and history. We work hard to give back to society and make a positive difference.”
This year, Unity received the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development. This recognises its work supporting socially-minded customers and its own commitment to responsible business practices.
