Monmouthshire Building Society has announced a significant package of financial assistance for businesses and community groups struggling in the aftermath of severe flooding in Monmouth – and is calling on its network of partners to help increase the fund in the weeks ahead.
The Society’s Charitable Foundation, which specialises in providing small but immediate grants to organisations in need, has committed thousands of pounds to support those affected by the devastation caused by Storm Claudia. The Foundation is also working with its business collaborators to raise further contributions to help the town’s longer-term recovery.
The Society operates a branch in Monmouth, which itself suffered extensive flood damage and remains closed. With no confirmed reopening date, staff say they have witnessed the local disruption first-hand.
Businesses and community groups can apply for support through a short online form on the Society’s website. Each request will be reviewed by the Charitable Foundation’s Directors, who will allocate funding based on need. The Society has chosen not to set an application deadline, acknowledging that the true scale of damage will emerge over time and that residents may need help at different stages of recovery.
Dawn Gunter, Chief Operating Officer and Director of the Charitable Foundation, said the decision to step in was driven by the Society’s own experience.
“Through experiencing the pain and devastation of our own flood in branch, we wanted to do all we can to help the community around us and believe this is the best way to make an immediate impact,” she said.
“We have already been working with other local organisations on collecting clothing, food and other items to help those in immediate need but see this initiative as a way to help organisations or community groups who need a little financial help to get back on their feet.”
She added that while some restrictions apply to how the funds can be used, full details are clearly outlined on the application page.
“There are certain restrictions on who can apply for the fund and what it can be used for, and they vary from administration and admin costs, retrospective costs and scholarships or bursaries, but all of the detail of the funding will be outlined on our website when applying,” she said.
“We want these funds to make a difference, to help those in immediate need and hopefully give these organisations some hope and breathing space to regroup and go again following these floods. We are looking forward to seeing these applications and making a tangible difference to this community.”
The Monmouthshire Building Society Charitable Foundation was established in 2000 and supports good causes across South Wales and the South West of England, with a focus on improving the lives of disadvantaged or vulnerable people.
More information about Monmouthshire Building Society can be found at: https://www.monbs.com
To apply for Monmouthshire Building Society’s charitable foundation funds, apply here: Monmouthshire Building Society commits Charitable Foundation funds to Monmouth flood | Monmouthshire Building Society