A CHARITABLE body which has supported a number of Keighley-district good causes over the years is celebrating a milestone.

Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation has now distributed £3 million since it was formed in 2000.

Trustees meet quarterly and over the past two-plus decades have awarded funds to charities across the UK, focusing on themes including social mobility and equality, isolation and children’s education.

Donations have funded a wide range of projects, from specialist beds and equipment for hospices to craft materials for 'knit and natter' groups.

Beneficiaries have included the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice Manorlands and West Yorkshire Scouts.

And late last year, the Friends of Airedale charity – which works to improve the experience for patients at Airedale Hospital – was presented with £300 through the society's community giving scheme. Volunteers from the Friends support the hospital by undertaking a number of roles, and raise money to buy equipment to benefit patients.

During the pandemic, when many charities faced a slump in donations and struggled to survive, the foundation maintained its support.

Trustees held their meetings via conference calls, and during 2020 and 2021, nearly £400,000 was shared between 194 good causes.

Alison Davies, the foundation chair, says: "It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as a trustee and chair of the foundation, to be able to support such a significant number of charities. Three million pounds has been donated to amazing causes across the UK that in some cases provide life-saving services, but which all have an impact on their communities.

"That £3 million has supported hospices, homeless shelters, schools, residential homes and more. As a foundation, we are proud to play just a small part in supporting such causes.

"The foundation has remained a constant support for charities, providing a lifeline to many, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic which saw the sector suffer a significant loss in income and volunteers."

To coincide with the landmark announcement, the foundation has updated its donation policy. Charities can apply for up to £6,000, and previous beneficiaries can now submit new applications after three years rather than five as was the case.

Skipton Building Society, part of the Skipton Group, makes an annual payment to the charitable foundation to fund all donations.

The latest trustees' meeting to decide on applications takes place next month.

For full details of the donation criteria and to apply online, visit skiptoncharitablefoundation.co.uk.