The Cambridge Building Society has unveiled a new three-year funding partnership alongside a fresh round of Community Fund grants aimed at tackling housing need and financial hardship.
The mutual has pledged £22,500 over three years to Concrete Rose Collective as part of a broader funding initiative that also includes grants to Jimmy’s Cambridge, Reach Haverhill and Cambridge Re-Use.
The funding is intended to support organisations working across homelessness, housing stability and access to essential services, with the society positioning the programme as part of a longer-term community strategy.
Carole Charter, chief commercial officer at The Cambridge, said: “We are proud to support organisations that are making a real and lasting difference to people across our communities. This latest round of funding reflects both our continued commitment to local charities and our ambition to build deeper, longer-term partnerships where we can.
“Our new multi-year partnership with Concrete Rose Collective CIC is particularly significant, helping to create sustainable support for young people who may not otherwise have a safety net to rely on.”
MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP FOCUS
The agreement with Concrete Rose Collective will fund the development of what is described as an alternative ‘bank of mum and dad’ for care leavers across Cambridgeshire. The initiative is designed to provide financial support at key decision points, where access to small amounts of funding can influence longer-term outcomes.
The move follows a previous multi-year grant awarded in 2025 to The Angels Foundation, which focused on supporting individuals fleeing domestic abuse.
Mike Farrington, founder and operations lead at Concrete Rose, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to launch this initiative with Cambridge Building Society. Not having family to turn to at “fork in the road” moments can be a huge barrier to progress for the young people we support.
“Whether it’s applying for a piece of ID, a training course, getting transport or clothes for an interview or help with toiletries and food when things get tight, this fund will enable young people to take opportunities and provide a safety net as an alternative “bank of mum and dad”, which most people reply on to thrive in life.
“Being able to provide this means the world to us and to the young people we support”
LOCAL GRANTS TARGET HOUSING TRANSITIONS
Alongside the partnership, the latest Community Fund allocations include £10,000 to Jimmy’s Cambridge to support a dedicated worker helping individuals move from temporary accommodation into longer-term housing.
Camille Gauthier-Frigon, corporate fundraiser at Jimmy’s Cambridge, said: “Last year alone, we supported 33 people into more independent housing, and with this funding we’re continuing that vital work.”
Reach Haverhill (staff in main picture) has also received £10,000 to fund a community adviser role delivering in-home support to vulnerable residents across South Cambridgeshire.
Henry Wilson, chief executive officer at Reach Haverhill, said: “Over half our clients in Cambridgeshire are pension age or older, and often isolated – we can continue to be a lifeline to them, meeting face-to-face to listen, find solutions and support.”
A further £3,674 has been awarded to Cambridge Re-Use to upgrade its digital infrastructure, with new equipment expected to improve access to low-cost household goods and expand its online offering.
