Principality Building Society has awarded £600,000 in funding to charities and groups supporting communities, young people and environmental sustainability in Wales.

The building society has handed around half a million of the funding to 15 good causes through its Future Generations Fund, while £100,000 has been handed to four charities through its Retrofit for the Future Fund.

“These initiatives reflect Principality’s commitment to social wellbeing, creating opportunities for young people and supporting a more sustainable future,” said the Wales based building society.

Beneficiaries of the Future Generations Fund include Rhondda Netball, which has received £40,000 to support girls to become coaches and role models through qualifications and training.

Others to benefit include Mid Powys Youth Theatre, Stepping Stones North Wales, Newport Cricket Club, Child of the Earth CIC in North Pembrokeshire.

Those sharing the Retrofit for the Future Fund money are Wilderness Trust Wales, Newport Cricket Club, Rassau Resource Community Centre CIC and the Speakeasy Law Centre.

“Supporting communities across Wales and charitable giving are central to our values,” said the building society’s head of brand, impact and communications Nigel Taylor.

“As a mutual organisation, we reinvest a percentage of our profits for the benefit of our Members – this commitment is a core part of our purpose, to build a fairer society.”

He added: "We’re so proud to see all the projects and organisations that have benefitted from this year’s funds. Both our future Generations and Retrofit for the Future funds make a real difference to the lives of people across Wales and better important causes - a legacy we are firmly committed to.”

The funding has been distributed in partnership with Community Foundation Wales after an application process that ended in October last year.

The Foundation’s chief executive Richard Williams added: “This partnership has supported work with young people and helped communities take practical steps to reduce their energy bills and their environmental impact.

“By working in partnership, we’re able to ensure funding reaches grassroots organisations and respond to issues that matter most locally."

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