Virgin Media O2 has launched the Together Fund, which will provide £500,000 to support local charities throughout the UK.
The fund offers grants of £1,000 for environmental and community projects.
Interested local charities need to register and apply using Neighbourly, which is distributing the fund. More than 16,500 community-based good causes are already registered on the platform.
The launch of the fund coincides with the merger of broadband provider Virgin Media and mobile phone network O2.
It is part of the firm’s support for the Together Coalition which aims to “bring people together to help build a kinder, closer and more connected society”.
Funding will be made available in time for the Together Coalition’s national #ThankYouDay, which takes place on 4 July.
Closer communities
Reverend Nick Baines, the Bishop of Leeds and chair of the Together Initiative, said: “This new Together Fund is wonderful and will help equip and empower local organisations to harness and build on the surge in community spirit we've seen throughout the pandemic - particularly as they celebrate Thank You Day on 4 July.
“As we emerge from lockdown, we have a unique opportunity to create kinder, closer and more connected communities, and we are thrilled that Virgin Media O2 is able to support the Together Coalition to make this a reality."
In addition to the Together Fund, Virgin Media O2 is supporting the Together Coalition with the launch of a “Community Connectors” initiative, which will resource local organisations to facilitate social connection activities, including participation in Thank You Day on the 4th of July 2021, in areas of low social capital.
Partners
Carers UK and The Climate Coalition, which are already charity partners with Virgin Media O2, will also receive additional funding. This money will be used to run ThankYouDay events and activities that aim to “promote a sense of community belonging and inspire positive action to protect nature and the local environment”.
The Together Fund is open to local charities with a turnover of less than £1m.
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