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Saffron Community Fund hits giving landmark

29th October 2024

The Saffron Community Fund, set up by Saffron Building Society has exceeded a “landmark” £250,000 milestone in its grantmaking.

The Fund was set up 12 years ago and has donated to more than a hundred regional charities, community groups, and volunteer organisations, granting on average almost £21,000 per year.

Colin Field, CEO at Saffron Building Society, said: “We’re delighted to hit such a significant figure for Saffron in giving back to our communities – this is a real landmark moment for us all, and a core reminder of why community remains important to us. This £250,000 has gone straight to supporting the groups and organisations that need it most, ones that are sometimes overlooked when finances and times are tough.”

“Since launching our Community Fund more than a decade ago, we’ve asked and worked with our members, residents, and partners to identify where we can make a real difference in our communities.”.

This phase of grants from the Saffron Community Fund supports a wide variety of requirements, from funding towards large projects, new and updated software, renovations, equipment and essential running costs, from the four corners of Essex, as well as Suffolk and Hertfordshire, where Saffron has branches.

The Saffron Community Fund has moved past the £250,000 mark, with the latest nine grants given to:

  • Craftability, a recreational activities group for people with physical disabilities in Uttlesford
  • Grove Cottage, an organisation supporting people with learning disabilities based in Bishop’s Stortford
  • Saffron Walden Mencap society, supporting the yearly costs of a community allotment project
  • Crossroads, help with running a day centre for carers and vulnerable people in Braintree
  • Citizens Advice, East Herts, independent, impartial advice
  • Suffolk ArtLink, therapeutic art sessions for children in hospital
  • FairyCroft House, supporting utility bill costs for a community hub in Saffron Walden
  • Memories Are Golden, supporting new premises for a dementia day centre in Haverhill
  • The Voluntary Network, supporting a befriending service in West Essex.

We are pleased to administer the Fund and work in close partnership with Saffron Building Society and their community panel made up of employees and members who carefully review the charitable organisations that are presented for consideration.

Zoe Brampton, Grants Manager at ECF, said: “Saffron Building Society is a great example of a local business that is committed to supporting its community. This is a significant milestone for the Fund and we are delighted to have helped them give this vital support to local charities and voluntary groups.”

Apply Now

The deadline for applications is Friday 6 December at 5pm for its first round of 2025 grants.

If you would like to talk to one of our grants officers before submitting your application, please use one of the options below:

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