Skipton Building Society’s charitable arm has reopened applications for 2026 after distributing almost £950,000 to good causes across the UK last year.

Skipton Building Society’s Charitable Foundation is inviting UK-registered charities to apply for support in its 2026 funding cycles, with a continued focus on helping people facing hardship to access secure housing and improve their financial wellbeing.

In 2025, the Foundation donated £948,668.55 to 271 charities nationwide. Since its launch in 2000, it has awarded more than £4.9 million to over 1,500 organisations, backing projects designed to build financial stability, provide safe spaces and strengthen local support services.

Eligible charities can apply for grants of up to £5,000 to support core costs, specific projects or small capital items. To qualify, organisations must have been established for more than three years and demonstrate that they provide direct benefit to people in the UK.

TRUSTEE CHANGES

The reopening of applications follows a period of transition on the Foundation’s board. At the end of 2025, two long-serving trustees, John Dawson and Amelia Vyvyan, stepped down.

Dawson was instrumental in establishing the Foundation in 2000 and remained closely involved in shaping its direction. Both Dawson and Vyvyan joined the board as trustees in 2015 and, during their tenure, oversaw funding that supported more than 1,500 charities.

The Foundation has since appointed Peter Sanchez and Clare Gardener as trustees, signalling what it described as a renewed commitment to supporting charitable organisations across the UK.

Abi Haythornthwaite, group social impact lead at Skipton Building Society, said: “We’re incredibly proud of the impact the Foundation continues to make, and none of this would be possible without the generosity of our members.

“Their ongoing support ensures we can help charities making a real and lasting difference to people facing hardship across the UK.

“As we open nominations for 2026, we’re excited to hear from even more organisations working tirelessly to improve lives and drive positive change.”

Charities seeking funding in 2026 can find details of eligibility criteria, funding cycles and application deadlines via the Foundation’s website.