It’s time to vote and help your favourite cause win funding

Bank of Scotland Community Fund wants the public to decide which groups are most deserving of a £3000 boost

WORKING at the heart of our communities, Bank of Scotland is looking forward to giving something back to those who need the most help. The Bank of Scotland Community Fund is inviting customers, colleagues, and the wider public to vote for community organisations to receive financial support. In more than 50 areas across Scotland, four excellent causes have been shortlisted. The votes cast between now and November 1 will decide which two in each group receive £3000, with the others getting £300.

The Bank of Scotland Community Fund will benefit nearly 60,000 people across the country, with the 208 shortlisted community groups representing every part of society, from children and young people to the elderly.

Each works tirelessly for those who need some extra help to make the most of their lives.

The easiest way to cast a vote is online, where a search facility allows all shortlisted groups to be viewed by area. There is also the option of casting in a Bank of Scotland branch or by SMS. To cast a vote by SMS, voters need to text the word VOTE and the bespoke community group code, listed online or in-branch, to 82332. Text message votes will be charged at the mobile phone users’ standard message rates.

More information can be found at the website www.bankofscotland.co.uk/communityfund

Graham Lindsay is group director of responsible business at Lloyds Banking Group. He says: “As the Bank of Scotland Community Fund public vote opens for a second year, we are looking forward to showcasing the fantastic work being delivered by an enormous range of local good causes in communities across the country and encouraging eve- ryone to get behind their community groups by casting their votes.

“Congratulations to every community group on the shortlist, and good luck.”