The not-for-profit organisation introduced the SafeDeposits Scotland Community Fund in order to donate a portion of its surplus to communities across Scotland and help with the delivery of projects that support sustainability, employability, social inclusion and digital inclusion.

To date, 19 projects in 13 local authority areas from the Shetland Islands to the Scottish Borders have been awarded grants. In addition, the Community Fund has provided funding support to youth homelessness charity Rock Trust, hosted a ‘Lintel Soup’ event in partnership with Lintel Trust and donated toys to the Lord Provost of Glasgow’s Christmas Appeal. Over £48,000 has been awarded to date.

As the SafeDeposits Scotland Community Fund enters its fourth funding round, which has a closing date for applications of Friday 15th March, the scheme is increasing the maximum value of grant available from £2,000 to £5,000. A maximum of eight grants of up to £5,000 will be awarded.

Mike Smith, head of SafeDeposits Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be increasing the size of the grants available via the SafeDeposits Scotland Community Fund in this latest funding round. It has been our privilege to support such a wide variety of good causes since launching the fund last year, and I would wholeheartedly encourage community organisations the length and breadth of Scotland to grasp this opportunity of £5,000 grants by submitting an application to us before 15th March.”

Further information on the SafeDeposits Scotland Community Fund, including an application form, rules and guidance, can be found here.