Skipton Building Society has relaunched its annual Community Giving scheme, pledging £164,000 to support small charities across the UK.

The initiative will distribute funds through the Society’s 82 branches, with 246 charities set to benefit. Local members are being asked to vote for one of three nominated organisations in their area, which will then receive a share of the money based on the number of votes cast.

The top-ranked charity will be awarded £1,000, the second £600, and the third £400.

Now in its third year, the scheme has already donated more than £330,000 to over 700 grassroots causes. Many of these organisations operate at a community level and often struggle to secure regular sources of funding.

Abi Haythornthwaite, group social impact senior specialist at Skipton, said: “At Skipton, we’re passionate about supporting the local communities where our members live and work.

“The Community Giving scheme allows us to shine a light on smaller charities that make a big difference and gives our members the power to influence where our funding goes.

“We’re proud to continue this initiative and excited to see the positive impact it will bring to our local communities.”

Skipton donates 1% of its pre-tax profit each year to charitable causes. Alongside the Community Giving scheme, the society also partners with national charities including Age UK, National Energy Action and Refuge.

Voting for this year’s donations takes place in branch.

Pictured: Previous Skipton Community Award winners