Cambridge Building Society is supporting a programme intended to bring businesses, philanthropists and civic leaders together to address inequality and housing problems across Cambridgeshire.
The mutual will help The Cambridge Pledge stage a series of networking and fundraising events designed to attract supporters and investment.
The commitment follows Cambridge Building Society’s £1 million investment in Greater Cambridge Impact, The Cambridge Pledge’s sister organisation, during the society’s 175th anniversary year.
The two organisations are seeking a co-ordinated approach to delivering measurable change in areas including homelessness and support for children in care.
Carole Charter, chief commercial officer at The Cambridge, said: “Greater Cambridge Impact is exactly the kind of ambitious, collaborative initiative that The Cambridge wants to stand behind.
“We have an explicit social purpose to help people have a home, and we know that tackling inequality takes more than short-term funding – it takes trusted partners, capital and a commitment to long-term change.
“By supporting this series of networking and fundraising events, we want to help GCI reach more of the people and businesses who can play a part in building a fairer, more resilient Cambridge.
“Our hope is that others will be inspired to invest, donate and collaborate so that more of the city’s success can be channelled into practical solutions to help the people who need it most.”
The additional donation will fund events intended to raise awareness of The Cambridge Pledge, extend its network and encourage investment from organisations and individuals.
Sara Allen, executive director of Greater Cambridge Impact and The Cambridge Pledge, said: “I’m so grateful to The Cambridge for continuing to back our vision – they are a shining example of what long-term collaborative partnerships can unlock.
“By sponsoring these events, they are making it possible for us to widen the conversation, bringing in other businesses, and philanthropists and individuals, who have a real stake in Cambridge’s future and in demonstrating that we are an exemplar of ‘good growth’.
“Imagine what we can achieve if we all worked together.”
Greater Cambridge Impact is a 10-year investment vehicle focused on people facing disadvantage across the region. Its target groups include people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, families experiencing poverty or crisis, care-experienced young people and disadvantaged children and young people.
