Rochdale charities and social enterprises are being encouraged to apply for two grant programmes offered by Vernon Building Society, with funding of up to £5,000 available to support vital community work. The Vernon Charitable Foundation has opened its latest round of applications, offering up to £5,000 to registered charities focused on tackling poverty and improving local communities. The application deadline is 29 August 2025. Since its launch in January 2024, the foundation has distributed more than seventy thousand pounds to 24 charities across Greater Manchester and Cheshire, with past grants funding youth theatre equipment and Scout tents. The scheme forms part of the building society's centenary legacy. Alongside the foundation's main grant scheme, Vernon is also promoting its Community Stars programme, which provides smaller awards of up to £2,000 to groups that may not be formally registered charities. Applications for Community Stars close at 5 PM on 11th Augus...