The building society is inviting applications for grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 for housing projects that will support the most vulnerable in local communities.

Garry Samson, Nationwide’s regional director of Scotland, said: “In 2007, our members voted for us to donate at least one percent of our pre-tax profits to good causes and asked that we focus on tackling housing issues. We recognise there is a housing crisis, resulting in many people living in unsuitable, insecure or unaffordable accommodation. So, to help make a real and lasting difference, we are aiming to make £5.5 million available in grant funding for housing-related charities and organisations across the UK per year.

“We are delighted to open the local application process and encourage housing related charities and organisations to apply so that they can collectively benefit from the £500,000 award that is available to communities across Scotland.”  

A Community Board, which is comprised of Nationwide members and employees, will review all the grant applications and award grants of up to a £50,000. The Board and Nationwide branches within the region will also be providing time and expertise to these charities.

So far Nationwide has awarded £4m in grants to more than 100 projects and will be investing £5.5 million in housing projects across the UK per year. The programme is being delivered with support from the UK Community Foundations programme, the national network for all accredited Community Foundations across the UK.  

Nationwide is now inviting applications for housing community projects in Scotland July 5. Full details can be found at www.nationwide.co.uk/communityfunding or in local Nationwide branches.