Unity Trust Bank, a business bank that prioritises social impact alongside profit, has made a 40th birthday pledge to donate £40,000 to charitable causes this year.
Central to the goal is a new scheme that will provide grants of £5,000 each to three socially-minded organisations to support their own projects. This follows donations of £20,500 to 24 good causes across the UK so far this year, putting the bank well on course for hitting its target.
Founded by the Co-op Bank and trade unions in 1984, and now fully independent, Unity helps organisations in the UK to prosper while creating measurable economic, social and environmental change.
The latest grant scheme, which launched on September 2, is part of the bank’s employee-led ‘Unity & Me’ programme. This was established in 2022 to support staff to deliver projects that bring positive outcomes for employees, communities and the planet.
Unity Trust Bank: 40 years of banking for impact
‘Our values are at the heart of everything we do’
Catherine Tierney, Credit Risk Manager at Unity, and lead of Unity & Me’s Donations arm, said: “Being part of a bank with a social conscience means that our values are at the heart of everything we do. Our voluntary salary sacrifice scheme and fundraising activities form part of the fabric here at Unity as we work to give back to society.
“This year marks Unity’s milestone 40th birthday, so we wanted to do something extra special to reflect the bank’s commitment to deliver positive social impact in local communities.
“Unity has increased its charitable donation contribution to sit alongside funds raised by staff. This year, Unity aims to reach our £40,000 goal and the new Unity Impact Grants offer is a major part of our goal.
“Unity has already supported multiple good causes throughout the year, and we are well on the way to reaching our 2024 target having so far allocated £20,500 to 24 good causes across the UK, including organisations that have been chosen directly by Unity employees.”
Previous 2024 projects
Organisations include the London homelessness charity, Providence Row, through sponsorship of its rooftop vegetable garden; the Mazi Project’s community kitchen in Bristol, which helps disadvantaged people learn new skills; and the John Thorton Young Achievers Foundation in Dorset, which provides scholarships and bursaries for young people.
Other fundraising activities include the recent Welsh 3 Peaks Challenge, where 11 Unity colleagues raised £3,700 by climbing Pen Y Fan, Cadair Idris and Snowdon inside 24 hours. This will be matched £2:£1 by Unity making a total donation of £11,100.
This year, Unity received the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development in recognition of its work supporting socially-minded customers and its own commitment to responsible business practices. It was also named as one The Sunday Times’ Best Place to Work.
For further information about the Unity Impact Grants programme and details on eligibility and how to apply, see here.
