On Tuesday, Santander announced its Changemaker Fund has surpassed £1 million in matched funding and support from the crowd for charities, social enterprises, and community projects across the UK. According to the bank firm, The Fund, which is in partnership with Crowdfunder, supports organizations looking to deliver social change in their local communities.
“The Changemaker Fund is open to any social enterprise, small charity or community group that helps disadvantaged people in the UK. Eligible projects seeking funds of up to £20,000 and focused on supporting skills, knowledge or innovation that get the crowd’s backing receive 50% of their total funding requirement from Santander.”
Santander reported that since its launch with a pilot scheme in October 2016, the Fund has supported more than 60 projects across the UK. Sue Douthwaite, Managing Director of Santander Business Banking, stated:
“We’re incredibly proud of the projects that we have contributed to through Crowdfunder over the last few years and it is great to see the tangible differences this funding has made in local communities across the UK. It’s been inspiring to watch them grow and see how they help local people. The Fund has proven exceptionally successful in raising funds for local projects, particularly in backing organizations that provide skills training, development, and employment.”
Santander added that The Changemaker Fund is part of Santander’s flagship community programme, The Discovery Project, which aims to inspire people to have confidence in the future through projects that build skills, grow knowledge and support innovation.
