Supporting Financial Education for Young People
At Hanley Economic Building Society, we are thrilled to announce the relaunch of the Hanley at Home Fund, in partnership with the Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire. This initiative offers grants of up to £5,000 to local organisations, running from 1 April to 1 June 2025. Our goal is to support groups working with individuals at various stages of the housing journey, whether they are preparing to move into a home or managing to stay in their existing one.
Four Key Aims of the Hanley at Home Fund
The Hanley at Home Fund has four key aims:
- Educating Young People on Essential Financial Skills: Helping them navigate the path to home ownership.
- Supporting Aspiring Homeowners: Offering practical guidance and assistance to those finding it out of reach.
- Assisting Individuals Post-Hospital Discharge: Providing necessary support to stay comfortably in their homes.
- Equipping People with Vital Life Skills: Ensuring they can effectively manage and maintain their homes for the long term1.
Community Engagement and Support
Vicki Hardie, our Community Engagement Officer, shared her thoughts:
“We believe more education and support are needed for individuals to own and remain in their homes. From youngsters who may understand maths but not how interest works, to people facing medical challenges, there is a significant need to assist people. There are numerous organisations across the county with the expertise to help individuals, and we are excited to support them. Whether helping people learn financial management or assisting someone after a hospital discharge, or helping a young person leaving the care system, the broad scope of our support ensures we can help as many people as possible”.
Impact of the Hanley at Home Fund
During the 2024/2025 financial year, the Hanley at Home Fund donated around £15,000 to 8 local charities, including Symmetrical North Staffs, Gingerbread, Number 11, Community Safety Education, Reaching CIC, and the Indi Project. These organisations have been making a significant impact across Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, the Staffordshire Moorlands, and beyond, by teaching life skills, supporting young people leaving care, aiding individuals with disabilities, and providing crucial housing support.
Increased Funding for Greater Impact
For this next round of funding, the Hanley at Home Fund has just under £30,000 available, and the maximum grant amount has been increased to £5,000, allowing us to make an even greater impact in the community.
How to Apply for the Hanley at Home Fund
Leanne Macpherson, Head of Programmes at the Community Foundation, added, “The application process is straightforward and open to groups who can help others. Our grants team is on hand to support organisations throughout the application process”
To apply, organisations must meet the following criteria:
- Be based in or working within Stoke-on-Trent, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire Moorlands, or Stafford Borough.
- Be a registered charity, constituted community or voluntary group, or registered social enterprise.
- Have been operating for a minimum of 12 months1.
Applications open on 1 April and will close on 1 June 2025. The application form is available here.
For further information, email office@staffordshire.foundation, call 01785 339540 or visit Hanley at Home Fund – Community Foundation for Staffordshire and Shropshire.
