Our goal has always been to build something better for the community, that's why we founded the Marsden Building Society Charitable Foundation. The Foundation will help us to better support our communities, delivering financial support to those who need it most.
Since we were founded, our goal has been to build something better for the community and that extends beyond helping members to save and own their own home. For us, it means giving something back to our communities. Each year, the Foundation will provide funding for projects in Lancashire supporting the three key themes detailed below.
Supporting and encouraging financial well-being in the community.
Creating an inclusive community and supporting those around us.
Improving the environment and regenerating the local area.
We're delighted to announce that our 2024 fund is open to applicants in Lancashire looking for grants of up to £3,000. With £30,000 to donate, we'll be supporting at least 10 projects with our 2024 fund. You'll find key criteria below, along with details about how to apply. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Tuesday 07 May.
This year, the Foundation can consider community projects in Lancashire meeting at least one of the following themes:
Financial well-being: We want to support projects that promote financial education, teaching groups invaluable skills about money and money management. This could include community groups or projects delivered to schools and colleges.
A society for all: We want to promote societal inclusion, and this year, we're looking to support projects focussed on helping primarily, people over the age of 50, through community cohesion activities, accessibility and engagement.
A great place to be: We want to support projects that focus on making Lancashire a great place to be, and this year, we're looking to support projects focussed on the environment and area restoration/regeneration. This could include beach cleans, supporting community allotments, the introduction of green initiatives, preserving wildlife, etc.
What costs can be considered?
The Foundation is able to consider staffing costs, volunteer costs, activity/operational costs, training costs, small capital items (e.g., equipment, IT). A proportion of organisational overheads can also be considered.
Amount available
Applications can be made for grants of up to £3,000. We'd like to provide full funding for the project, or at least 50% where funding has already been secured.
Funding is available for organisations permanently based in Lancashire matching at least one of the priorities above. We can accept applications from all areas of Lancashire, although priority will be given to those based in:
Applications must be made through the Community Foundation for Lancashire's website. Applications received directly to the Society will not be considered.
The Community Foundation's website details the supporting documentation you'll need to upload with your application.
Decisions on funding are anticipated to be made in early July.
AFC Fylde Community Foundation (Fylde)
We supported the Foundation with funding for a staff member to provide weekly group sessions for over 55s who were vulnerable and isolated. The sessions included activities such as ‘Walk & Talk by the Sea’, armchair exercises, quizzes, and workshops.
Aged Blind & Disabled Centre Charitable Trust (Rossendale)
Funding covered the costs of room hire to continue running three different groups - ‘Thursday Lunch Club’ (a dementia carers and friends group), ‘Crafting Group’ (where retired people share arts and crafts to reduce isolation and loneliness) and ‘Friday Club’ (an over 65s social club).
Bodies in Motion (Brierfield)
We helped to cover staffing costs for a project supporting elderly people across Brierfield. The staff member contacted and worked with elderly people to help them access the group’s ‘Well-Being Hub’, giving them a warm space, food, and somewhere to find support.
The Flowhesion Foundation (Burnley)
Funding delivered a ‘Money Matters’ programme, lasting 12 weeks for 35 Pashtoon men (aged 23-65) covering tax, credit, savings, and other financial management skills.
The Greater Good (Rossendale)
Funding provided music, movement and poetry workshops to over 60s living in care homes across Burnley to improve mood and tackle loneliness.
Lancashire County Cricket Club Foundation (Brierfield)
Funding helped to deliver an hour-long weekly walking cricket session for over 60s. It lasted for 9 months and was delivered by a trained coach. Two participants received coach training to allow them to facilitate future sessions.
Layton Methodist Church (Blackpool)
We helped the church purchase 20 basic smartphones and paid for a digital skills tutor to help older people with their digital literacy and increase their access to services and socialisation.
Park View 4 U (Lytham)
Our funding provided a weekly ‘Wood and Well-Being’ session for 8-12 men (mainly over 60s), carrying out half-day sessions each week, working on seasonal projects that benefitted the local community and other clubs.
Spring into Action (Hyndburn)
Funding provided financial education for adults with learning disabilities to increase their autonomy and reduce their risk of financial abuse. 4 separate 12-week courses were held with 12 participants attending each course.
TramShed Theatre Company (Blackpool, Wyre & Fylde)
We helped TramShed engage over 60s in performing arts, confidence building and sign language workshops. Sessions were run weekly for 12 weeks followed by a celebratory afternoon tea.
Urban Organic (Blackpool)
Our funding covered staff costs and materials for a weekly gardening club for older people at N-Vision (Princess Alexandra Blind Home). This gave the participants access to a regular hobby, socialisation, and additional activities during the afternoon tea break.
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