Foundation trustees widened the qualifying criteria in this latest funding round, so groups could apply for money to assist with extra spending needed to help them deal with the impact of coronavirus.

A total of 44 charities nationwide have benefitted from the most recent round of funding to help improve the lives of disadvantaged or vulnerable people across the UK.

The grants will support a variety of projects across the UK including:

• Purchasing PPE and helping meet staff costs at Margaret Carey Foundation, in Bradford.
• Buying digital equipment to help people stay in touch during lockdown at MS Society Northern Ireland, in Belfast.
• Purchasing fuel to help volunteers at Eyres Monsell Club for Young People, in Leicester, deliver food to the local community.
• Helping Edinburgh Headway meet staffing costs. The charity helps those with brain injuries.

Gary Brook , Leeds Building Society Foundation Trustee, said: “This is a worrying time for many of these charities who are facing unexpected costs at a time when demand for many of their services is on the increase.

“We know how supporting initiatives in local communities is important to our members and colleagues. So, we have acted quickly to try to ensure that these small charities get the help and support they need to help them deal with the pandemic.”

The Foundation is funded by the society and its members via the Your Interest in Theirs scheme. It primarily provides grants towards practical items that directly support those in need including those with disabilities, affected by homelessness, or with serious health issues.