Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation

Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation, established in 1999 as the principal channel for the society's charitable giving, has distributed over £10 million to alleviate poverty, improve health, and save lives across the UK. Rooted in values of solidarity, community, and hardship relief, it prioritises acute financial, health, and social disadvantages, especially in high-deprivation areas, through member- and staff-driven nominations via the 'Small Change Big Difference' scheme. Its community-led ethos supports frontline charities delivering tangible, immediate relief, favouring those overlooked by larger funders.

The foundation funds food banks, debt advice, emergency household support, and equipment or project costs for charities aiding children, young people, the seriously ill, elderly, rough sleepers, disabled individuals, and abuse survivors. It also covers core costs or salaries to sustain essential services, with special consideration for groups serving top 20% deprived areas or marginalised communities like ethnic minorities, women/girls, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ populations. Grants target small charities (under £100,000 annual turnover) addressing urgent needs.

Exclusively for UK-registered charities operating UK-wide (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), it does not accept unsolicited applications—only nominations from Yorkshire Building Society members or colleagues via an online form. Quarterly trustee meetings follow deadlines of 31 March, 30 June, 30 September, and 31 December (next: 31 December 2025), with grants of £250–£2,500 awarded within three months. Exclusions include animal welfare, non-UK activities, non-charities, and repeat recipients from the past two years under the same number, distinguishing it as a responsive, nomination-only lifeline for grassroots relief efforts.