Launched in 2024, our centenary year, Vernon Charitable Foundation supports local charities providing public benefit in Greater Manchester and Cheshire, focused on the prevention and relief of poverty and community development.
Launched in 2024, our centenary year, Vernon Charitable Foundation supports local charities providing public benefit in Greater Manchester and Cheshire, focused on the prevention and relief of poverty and community development.
Who Can Apply?
Applications will be considered if they meet the following criteria:
The Foundation welcomes applications from organisations who are working towards the relief of poverty alongside community development.
Application Restrictions
Applications will not be considered if received from the following:
How do I Apply?
Please read our application criteria before applying for a grant.
How long do we have to wait for a decision?
Following the closing date, all successful applications will be notified by email within 4 weeks.
Unfortunately, reasons cannot be given for unsuccessful applications.
How much can we apply for?
Grants up to £5000 can be requested. Charities can apply for more than one grant but this must not exceed £5000 within a 2 year period.
Do you need be a Member of Vernon Building Society to apply?
No, you don't need to be a member to apply for a grant.
You can now apply for a grant. The deadline to apply is 5pm on 13/03/2026.
We're pleased to introduce our Trustees, who will be kicking off our Charitable Foundation in January 2024. Our Trustees support governs and strengthens our charity's objectives, which are to promote the advancement of local causes and community development.
Mark is now retired from full time employment , he held senior roles in the Together Trust, Barnardos and the Children's Society, he brings a wealth of experience in the voluntary and charity sector across the NW. He has been a Trustee at GMCVO and Children England.
Owner of Stockport based family business, supplying and installing EPoS systems throughout the Northwest, Sue became interested in voluntary work many years ago. She became a school governor, heading up the Finance Committee and, earlier this year, became a Trustee at her local community centre, threatened with closure.
A Stockport resident all his life, Lord Goddard still has his mortgage with the Vernon. Elected to Stockport Metropolitan Council in 1990, he served for over 25 years and led the council for six. After accepting a Life Peerage from the Queen in 2014, he now sits in the House of Lords. He is associated with several charitable activities and is a Christie’s Cancer Charity Ambassador.
Paul has extensive experience in private sector management and public service. He chaired the Salford Community Health Council, served as a Non-Executive Director at Manchester Children’s Hospitals NHS Trust, and held important roles in magistrates’ courts. He's also shown leadership as Chairman of the Greater Manchester Bench and the Greater Manchester Magistrates Association Branch.
Tracey has 23 years of financial industry experience. Working within the Intermediary Team here at the Vernon, she helps mortgage brokers understand criteria and supports them to place their mortgage applications with us. Tracey was born in Stockport and has resided here all her life with her family. She is excited to be involved and feels privileged to be able to help both Stockport and its surrounding area’s local charities.
With 22 years financial services experience, Andy currently works within the IT Change Team at the Vernon. Born and raised in Stockport, he's a keen Stockport County supporter. Now, he's looking forward to helping charities doing great work in the area.
Currently Savings Business Development Manager at the Vernon, Ian has 30 years financial services and 11 years charity sector experience. He lives in Stockport and is an avid Stockport County supporter. Ian is a founding member of local community charity, Denton West End Community Library, and has previously been a school governor and treasurer at his local sub aqua diving club.
We've been busy this year celebrating great, local causes. In 2025, we donated over £25,000 to 14 charities within Greater Manchester and Cheshire. Take a look at the articles below for the full list of organisations we've donated to through Vernon Charitable Foundation.
Vernon Charitable Foundation, 19 St Petersgate, Stockport, SK1 1HF
Email: charitablefoundation@thevernon.co.uk
Vernon Charitable Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales (Number: 1204548)
