With the government’s furlough scheme coming to an end on 31 October 2020 and lockdown restrictions gradually lifting, Nationwide will provide financial support to individuals and families whose lives may not return to normal. Potential job losses, loneliness and a battle to pay bills are just some of the issues people are facing.

Over the past two years, Nationwide members and colleagues have come together to award £10 million to 251 housing projects across the UK. Nationwide will support communities across the UK through its Community Grants Scheme and is calling on charities, community land trusts and housing co-operatives who need funding to apply for grants between £10,000 and £50,000 by Friday.

A survey of more than 1,200 members of Nationwide Building Society shows that in the second quarter of the year, 64% of people were feeling financially secure, compared to 78% in the first quarter.

According to the research, people are feeling more concerned about the financial impacts of the crisis, particularly on their employment and ability to make a living. People’s optimism about their future job prospects fell from 56% in the first quarter of 2020 to 45% in the second.

Separate YouGov research commissioned by Nationwide shows that as a result of COVID-19, more than one in ten (11%) are concerned about losing their property, a figure which jumps to one in five (20%) for those who are unemployed. A third (31%) believe their local authority has done a bad job at tackling housing and homelessness issues over the past five years.

Kerrie Colford, social investment manager at Nationwide, commented: “Our Community Grants scheme offers financial support to those seeking to make a difference, those on the front lines of tackling housing issues that impact so many across the UK. We believe everyone should have a place fit to call home and helping people into homes has been at our foundation for more than 140 years. Particularly in recent times, the issue of homelessness and a lack of suitable housing has become increasingly important and with a shortage of new properties, outdated rental stock and a lack of support for the most vulnerable in our society, we feel it’s our responsibility to continue to help.”

Applications are shortlisted before Nationwide’s regional Community Boards, made up of Nationwide members and colleagues, come together to award the grants. Successful applicants will receive their grant to provide housing services to people in need to support the most vulnerable.

Applications for both Community Grants and for members wanting to join their local Community Board are open until July 31st. Anyone wishing to apply for a grant to make improvements to their community should visit the website. 

• Read all of our articles relating to COVID-19 here.