Who are we?
Coventry Building Society Charitable Foundation was launched in 1998.
The Charitable Foundation is a separate entity to the Society, managed by a Board of Trustees who determine the policies and decide on the grants to be made. Some of the Trustees are appointed by Coventry Building Society, the majority are independent.
Our Priorities
We make donations only to registered charities that are based or active within the region covered by Coventry Building Society's branch network.
Our priority is to give to groups, or activities, aimed at improving the quality of life and opportunity among those who are disadvantaged or deprived, the consequence of which may lead to social exclusion.
We will welcome applications that focus on:
- Young people, particularly those who are disadvantaged
- Vulnerable groups such as the frail elderly, people with physical disability, people with learning difficulties or those who are mentally ill
- Small neighbourhood groups in areas where they are experiencing the greatest disadvantage
- Supporting communities and voluntary organisations through assisting them in the achievement of social and community development
How much do we give?
We wish to support as many good causes as possible and therefore the maximum single donation will normally be £3,000. As a general rule, donations are normally between £500 and £2,000.
Projects we can't support
We will not consider grants for the following:
- Large charities which enjoy national coverage
- Charities with no base within our branch area
- Charities with an annual donated income in excess of £250,000
- Charities with assets over £500,000
- Projects requiring an ongoing commitment
- Large capital projects
- Maintenance or building works for buildings, gardens or playgrounds
- Major fund-raising
- Projects which are normally the responsibility of other organisations such as NHS and Local Authorities
- Sponsorship of Individuals
- Requests from Individuals
- Replacing funds which were the responsibility of another body
- Educational institutions unless for the relief of disadvantage
- Promotion of religious, political or military causes
- Sporting clubs or organisations unless for the relief of disadvantage
- Medical research and equipment
- More than one donation for the same organisation in any year - further applications will be considered after a period of three years
- Animal welfare
How can we apply?
Simply complete our application form and return it, together with the supporting documentation to the address on the form. In some circumstances we may request further information before considering the application.
How will we assess your application?
On receipt, we will consider your application to see if, in our opinion, it meets the objectives of the Foundation. If it does, it will be considered further by the Trustees at their quarterly meeting, which takes place in February, May, August and November. If it does not, the application will be declined. All applications will be acknowledged.
Unfortunately it may not always be possible to support all applications even if they fully meet the Foundation's criteria. We reserve the right to support those charitable projects we believe to be worthy of our support.