Newcastle Building Society has added a £1m donation to its community fund, which is being held by local group Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland to support communities across the North East, Cumbria and North Yorkshire.

The donation boosts the total value of the fund to £3.5m. It will pay out around £150,000 each year to charities tackling homelessness, poverty, debt and unemployment.

“Newcastle Building Society’s latest contribution to their fund will make a huge difference in our region, targeting some of the most pressing issues we face," said the Community Foundation's chief executive Rob Williamson.

He added: “Newcastle Building Society is our largest corporate donor, and we’ve enjoyed a significant long-term relationship over the past 35 years.

“The Society’s commitment to the region through the Community Fund directs support to a huge range of projects, creating opportunity and helping people all over the region.

“The use of an endowment fund allows businesses to make a long-term commitment to their communities and provides a sustainable source of funds for the charity sector.

The deadline for applications for the next round of grants from the building society’s Community Fund is 15 April.

“Providing grants to charities supports the organisations working directly with people in need, and helps target the key issues in our communities,” said Newcastle Building Society chief executive Andrew Haigh.

“The Community Fund is one of the most powerful ways we deliver the Society’s purpose to connect our communities with a better financial future.

“We’re delighted to make this additional donation to the fund, allowing us to do even more in our communities, and locks in a reliable source of significant income for our incredible local charities in 2025, and for generations to come.

“Our long-term partnership with the Community Foundation means we benefit from their unique expertise in maximising returns from the fund and helping direct support to local communities across the region.”

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