The Cambridge – through its award-winning Community Fund – has made a three-year £22,500 pledge to Concrete Rose, alongside individual grants to Jimmy’s Cambridge, Reach Haverhill, and Cambridge Re-Use.
The funding will support work addressing homelessness, housing stability, financial hardship and access to essential services and is part of the society’s aim of making long-lasting impact in its communities.
Carole Charter, Chief Commercial Officer at The Cambridge, said:
“We are proud to support organisations that are making a real and lasting difference to people across our communities. This latest round of funding reflects both our continued commitment to local charities and our ambition to build deeper, longer-term partnerships where we can.
“Our new multi-year partnership with Concrete Rose Collective CIC is particularly significant, helping to create sustainable support for young people who may not otherwise have a safety net to rely on.”
Multi-year partnership: Concrete Rose Collective CIC
The Cambridge has entered a three-year donor-directed partnership with Concrete Rose Collective to support the development of a self-sustaining alternative ‘bank of mum and dad’ for care leavers across Cambridgeshire, providing financial support at critical “fork in the road” moments.
In 2025, The Cambridge awarded its first multi-year grant to The Angels Foundation to support survivors fleeing domestic abuse.
Mike Farrington, Founder and Operations Lead at Concrete Rose, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to launch this initiative with Cambridge Building Society. Not having family to turn to at “fork in the road" moments can be a huge barrier to progress for the young people we support.”
“Whether it’s applying for a piece of ID, a training course, getting transport or clothes for an interview or help with toiletries and food when things get tight, this fund will enable young people to take opportunities and provide a safety net as an alternative “bank of mum and dad”, which most people reply on to thrive in life. Being able to provide this means the world to us and to the young people we support”
Community Fund grants
Jimmy’s Cambridge has received £10,000 to fund a support worker and associated activities to help individuals transition from temporary accommodation into more stable housing.
Camille Gauthier-Frigon, Corporate Fundraiser at Jimmy’s Cambridge, said: “Last year alone, we supported 33 people into more independent housing, and with this funding we're continuing that vital work.”
Reach Haverhill has received £10,000 towards providing a Community Adviser in South Cambridgeshire, delivering one-to-one support for vulnerable people in their homes.
Henry Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Reach Haverhill, said: “Over half our clients in Cambridgeshire are pension age or older, and often isolated - we can continue to be a lifeline to them, meeting face-to-face to listen, find solutions and support.”
Cambridge Re-Use has received £3,674 to invest in new computer equipment, tablets and printers, enabling more furniture and household items to be listed online and improving access to its services for those in need.
Applications for the fund can be made twice a year via the Cambridgeshire Community Foundation. Visit cambridgebs.co.uk for more information.
Image credit: Jimmy's Cambridge
