Applications have been flooding in from community groups across Yorkshire and the Humber in a nationwide funding initiative launched by Skipton Building Society. Volunteers in Yorkshire have proved the most enthusiastic in the campaign so far with the highest number of applicants across the 11 regions- all eager to win one of the 161 pots of £500 available.
Grassroots Giving was launched last year by Skipton Building Society to celebrate its 160th anniversary, giving 160 pots of the funding pots to deserving community groups across the UK. This year the initiative is back by popular demand, now with 161 pots of £500 to give away.
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Yorkshire was also the most successful region in last year’s campaign with the highest number of applicants. Now the region’s winning groups from last year are urging more community groups in their areas to get involved in the 2014 campaign.
Winning group Monty’s School of Kickboxing- a kickboxing club based in Leeds was one of the lucky ones in 2013 to win the funding and benefit from the support offered with free resources throughout the programme.
Monty’s School of Kickboxing have since spent their £500 on boxing gloves, tai pads and skipping ropes, meaning every single group member now has access to equipment.
Monty Shemi, the founder of Monty’s School of Kickboxing said: “The funding was just what we needed to help everyone progress in kickboxing. Being one of the 160 winners has given us some belief that we can progress and a sense of pride. It’s really helped raise the profile of the group and given us a no quit attitude.”
Skipton Building Society spokesman Roy Prenton said: “We had an unbelievable number of applications from Yorkshire for Grassroots Giving in 2013. We were overwhelmed by the number of community groups and projects in the region that put themselves forward. We had 1000 applications nationwide. Even more encouraging was the 20,000 votes cast at the shortlisted stages with people voting for their favourite group.”
“Now it’s time to tell the UK that Grassroots Giving is back and applications are now open. Skipton Building Society has set aside £80,500 to give to grassroots groups, clubs and organisations around the country – with the public deciding which causes win their share of the funds in November.”
This year the Society is introducing a new dimension to Grassroots Giving by helping connect, passionate people and their projects. It has a Grassroots Giving cluster on Project Dirt which can be found via : www.projectdirt.com/cluster/grassrootsgiving/. The aim of this hub is to connect all Grassroots Giving applicants from around the country, enabling them to knowledge share, and gain access to funding and learning resources.
Another highlight of Skipton’s Grassroots Giving programme is a series of comprehensive downloadable free resource packs. These resources offer help and guide grassroots organisations through challenges such as raising funds, recruiting volunteers, and project planning.
The application process for 2014 is now open, and is easier than ever as everything can be done online. Groups can simply log onto www.skiptongrg.co.uk and complete and submit the online application form.
After the closing date for applications on 31 July 2014, a shortlist of entries will be drawn up and placed into regional groups. Each shortlisted application will be summarised and posted on the Grassroots Giving website in August – then it’s over to the local communities across the UK to vote for who they’d like to see receive the 161 pots of support.
Progress of the campaign can also be followed via www.twitter.com/SkiptonBS_GrG
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