Manchester Withington MP Jeff Smith is backing a new scheme from the Royal Bank of Scotland aimed at supporting disadvantaged communities.

RBS have allocated £2.5 million to fund projects in charities, social enterprises, community groups, and state-funded schools and colleges across the UK and Ireland.  All non-profit organisations can apply for up to £35,000, providing that they meet the criteria specified on the RBS website.

Each region has specific priorities, with the funding in the North going to organisations focused on helping people investigate self-employment and start their own businesses, and improving the financial education of disadvantaged people.

Commenting on the scheme, Jeff said: ‘This money could make a real difference to those schools and charities working with disadvantaged communities in Manchester.

I’m encouraging all non-profit organisations in Manchester to take a look at the criteria, and get applying.’

Details about how to apply can be found here, and the deadline for applications is 9 September 2016