Clydesdale Bank To Recognise Scotland’s Community Spirit

29th January 2014

Community groups across Scotland are invited to enter an awards programme which could see them share a funding boost of £75,000 to make a real difference in their local area.

Clydesdale Bank’s Spirit of the Community Awards 2014 will follow the success of the inaugural awards last year, which were launched to mark the Bank’s 175th Anniversary.

Clydesdale Bank will make donations to registered charities and not-for-profit organisations to recognise them for going the extra mile. Groups are invited to enter the awards scheme under one of 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 Clydesdale Bank, said:

Clydesdale 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. “It was inspiring to see the great work being done at grass roots level in last year’s awards and we’re looking forward to continuing our support for third sector groups which provide an invaluable service in a particularly challenging economic environment.”

Clydesdale Bank’s sister organisation, Yorkshire 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 Clydesdale and Yorkshire Bank Foundation’s Spirit of the Community Awards or to enter, people can visit www.cbonline.co.uk/foundation or go into their local Clydesdale 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.