Saffron Building Society community fund cash for Bishop’s Stortford’s Grove Cottage and Citizens Advice East Herts

Grove Cottage and Citizens Advice East Herts have won support from Saffron Building Society, which has a branch in Bishop’s Stortford.

The charities are among the latest tranche of beneficiaries from the mutual’s community fund.

Grove Cottage, which has embarked on a £2.5m rebuilding project for its centre at London Road in Bishop’s Stortford, received £3,000.

The same sum went to Citizens Advice East Herts, which is facing a funding crisis amid council cuts.

Since its launch 12 years ago, Saffron’s community fund has granted £250,000 to more than 100 smaller charities, voluntary organisations and community groups in Hertfordshire, Essex and Suffolk.

Claire Hunnable, community business partner at the building society, said: “That £250,000 has gone straight to supporting the groups and organisations that need it most, ones that are sometimes overlooked when finances and times are tough.

“We’re thrilled we’ve reached such a significant figure in our donations – far more importantly, every penny has gone towards making a difference where it counts and in our local area.”

Grants also went to Craftability, a recreational activities group for people with physical disabilities in Uttlesford; Saffron Walden Mencap Society, for a community allotment project; Crossroads day centre, for carers and vulnerable people in Braintree; FairyCroft House community hub in Saffron Walden; The Voluntary Network befriending service in West Essex; Suffolk ArtLink, for therapeutic art sessions for children in hospital; and Memories Are Golden, a dementia day centre in Haverhill.

Claire added: “We’re conscious there are many more good causes that may not be aware this funding is available. We’re appealing to you to pass this information on to those who could benefit.”

Applications should be submitted by Friday December 6 at 5pm at www.saffronbs.co.uk/saffron-community-fund-2024.