NatWest has launched CommunityForce, a new initiative to help local charities, organisations and groups raise publicity of their work and attract volunteers. The programme also provides the opportunity to receive funding through the NatWest CommunityForce awards.
Through the initiative 158 individual CommunityForce areas have been created - 33 of which are available in the bank’s Central and Wales Region - offering local projects the chance to win one of three £6,000 awards.
Organisations and charities can apply for a CommunityForce award at Natwest communityforce or RBS communityforce between 25th July and 4th September 2011. An on-line public vote will then decide which three organisations will receive the awards, ensuring the winners are those that local people feel benefit their community most.
The new CommunityForce initiative will offer organisations more than just financial support. By applying for the awards, charities and projects will become part of a local online network giving them greater visibility and the opportunity to attract volunteers from the local area. NatWest’s people will also be volunteering their time and expertise, and supporting the bank’s commitment to deliver 7000 days of community volunteering in 2011.
Jon Fox, Managing Director for NatWest’s Central and Wales region, said: ‘NatWest has a long and proud history of supporting the community I’m delighted to launch CommunityForce in the East, the Midlands and Wales. It is really important to me that the bank is giving the community the chance to vote for the award winners, ensuring these funds go to the organisations local people value the most."
Jon added: "CommunityForce is part of our ongoing commitment to support the communities where we live and work; not just by donating funds, but also through volunteering our time and expertise."
