A host of Manchester based charities are fighting it out for £3,000 worth of funding, in a bid to boost awareness and community backing.
Four organisations will be picked from a pool of 20, in view to financially promoting their respective cause.
Those vying for the funding, include Manchester’s only Blind Football School as well as the Miners Community and Arts Centre, Middleton.
The four chosen will be presented with significant funding depending on the number of votes they receive, encouraging impassioned voters to state their claims.
The scheme fronted by banking giant Lloyds, proposed earlier this year a way in which they’re online presence can be used to highlight community matters.
The group with the highest number of votes will receive a real helping hand of £3,000 while runners up can expect £2,000, then £1,000 and finally, £500.
Annette Barnes, North Ambassador for Lloyds Banking Group said: “Through our Helping Britain Prosper Plan we have committed to being the banking group that brings communities together to help them thrive.
“We are incredibly proud to be able to support more community groups than ever before across the North to continue their vital work through our Community Fund.”
Manchester boasts one of the largest regional boroughs in the UK, with all 20 of the shortlisted organisations representing key areas of the cities communities which are often overlooked.
Last year, Manchester’s only Blind football team participated in the plan, and have returned again this year to see if the funding on offer can help their desire for better equipment and sporting recognition.
Ruth Walmsley, who founded the Manchester Blind FC, said: “We provide football coaching and for others in the community with the opportunity to experience Blind Football at first hand, to share in the fun and learn how it works.
“Feedback from participants has all been positive and we are keen to expand.”
Another keen advocate of the scheme are MASH, who work with women on the streets, building self-esteem and health.
Fundraising and marketing co-coordinator, Helen Clayton, said: “MASH are delighted to have been shortlisted for an award by the Lloyds Bank Community Fund 2014.
“It is the first time we have been involved and we are excited to have had been chosen.”
Parish Priest Angie Stanton of St Elizabeth’s, Reddish, is hopeful that her communities efforts under the umbrella charity Re:dish will receive backing.
She thinks the charity can be used to remind local people of the true meaning of community.
She said: “We’re now a year old community regeneration centre. Our role is to ensure the housebound and those living in food poverty have someone to speak with and somewhere to go, even if it’s just a cup of tea and a chat.”
There are now only 23 days left to vote via Lloyds Banks community help homepage.
More than 7,000 community schemes were shortlisted, nationwide.
Voting can be done on their website via email, Twitter, SMS or in your local Lloyds Bank branch. To place your vote, click here.
