HBOS Foundation

The HBOS Foundation was established in May 2002, following the merger of Halifax and Bank of Scotland to create HBOS plc, and continues the significant amount of work and support across our communities that both organisations carried out pre-merger.

The HBOS Foundation operates as an independent company and works with charitable and not-for-profit organisations across the UK, supporting people and their local communities.

HBOS Foundation activities are centred on three key areas:

• Large Grants and Community Action Programme - providing donations to charities and community groups across the UK
• Colleague Fundraising - via the Million £ Challenge and Colleague Matched Funding
• HBOS Volunteering - providing encouragement, opportunities and support to colleagues who are donating their time to support the community in which they live and work

Income

The Foundation's income comes from a variety of sources through HBOS plc.

In 2006 HBOS plc increased the total support it commits to the Foundation to £8m p.a., for its work to support community projects and charities.

In addition to its direct contribution, HBOS plc pays all the overheads, including staff costs, for the Foundation. This indirect contribution will continue to increase as a result of the recruitment of a number of additional staff to manage the Foundation's increased budget.

HBOS Foundation Objectives

The philosophy of the HBOS Foundation is to create partnerships that are sustainable and of real mutual value by assisting charitable and voluntary organisations in their work. The Foundation Charter provides clarity and guidance on the aims and objectives of the HBOS Foundation.

The Foundation is designed to make a genuine, tangible difference to individuals and their communities. The HBOS Foundation activities focus on two key themes - money advice and financial literacy and developing and improving local communities.

In 2008 the Foundation has set specific objectives to:

• Raise £4m through matching staff fundraising efforts through The Million £ Challenge
• Encourage 11,000 colleagues to volunteer
• Continue delivery of a 5 year Business plan

Investment

HBOS Foundation's investment priorities provide a framework within which the impact of its community investment can be maximised.

In 2007 the HBOS Foundation made almost 400 grants through the National and Community Action Grants programmes, totalling over £2.8 million.

Leverage

Total leverage to date generated by Foundation grants is over £13 million.

The criteria are designed so that the investment will leverage other funding e.g. from the UK Government or the European Commission, so as to maximise the impact of our donations.

In relation to employee involvement, the criteria are broadly drawn to provide an umbrella within which colleagues can volunteer and raise money across a diverse range of community organisations.

Support

Whether it's a small local community project or a national charity, the HBOS Foundation can help in a variety of ways, ranging from financial grants to supporting HBOS colleagues in their fundraising and volunteering activities. Use the links above to find out about the different ways in which the HBOS Foundation contributes to the community or contact us.