Annual impact grants programme returns with £100,000 up for grabs

Unity has doubled the size of its annual impact grants programme with £100,000 up for grabs for community projects.

A new category has also been introduced designed for green initiatives.

The grants are open to customers who have banked with Unity for over a year.

Joshua Meek is Chief Impact Officer at Unity Trust Bank. He said: “Supporting good causes through grant funding, fundraising, volunteering and donations is an important part of who we are as a social impact bank.

“We launched the impact grants programme three years ago to mark the bank’s 40th anniversary. It’s great that we’ve been able to double the amount of money available each year. This enables us to support even more organisations delivering meaningful change to people’s lives.

“The success of these grants, and their continued growth, reflects the incredible work of our socially-minded customers. They share our commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities. I’m delighted we’ve launched a new category this year with a specific focus on the environment.”

The new Unity Environmental Impact Grants category will provide four grants of £10,000. This will support activities that deliver positive environmental change and improve environmental sustainability.

The Unity Social Impact Grants category will provide £5,000 grants to 12 customers. This will help them continue making positive social, economic or community impact. The funding can be used for projects, operational costs or capital spend.

Last year’s recipients included Unity customers that support disadvantaged communities; people affected by domestic violence or trauma; mental health and wellbeing; adults facing barriers to education and employment and people with physical or learning disabilities.

One recipient, North Sea Conservation, received a grant to support its flagship Whitby Lobster Hatchery programme. The programme aims to replace depleted lobster stocks by rearing larvae until they’re two-month-old juveniles. This gives them a greater chance of survival when they’re released back into the sea.

Joe Redfern is General Manager at North Sea Conservation. He said: “Unity’s support came at a crucial time for the charity. It helped strengthen our ability to protect and restore the health of the North Sea. The grant has helped us to release 5,000 lobsters this year.”

The Unity Impact Grant programme is part of the bank’s employee-led ‘Unity & Me’ pillar. This empowers staff to deliver positive outcomes for colleagues, communities and the planet.

In addition to the annual impact grants programme, 39 good causes have received £46,400 worth of grants and donations so far in 2026. Unity aims to reach £80,000 by the end of the year.