Access to Banking Fund Opens for York and North Yorkshire Groups

Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across York and North Yorkshire are being encouraged to explore a new funding opportunity designed to improve access to banking and cash services in local communities.

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has launched the Access to Banking Fund, providing grants to support projects that help residents, businesses and communities access essential banking services following the closure of local bank branches.

The fund aims to support long-term solutions that restore or strengthen physical banking provision across the region, particularly in rural areas and small market towns where access to services has become more challenging. Projects should improve access to services such as cash withdrawals and deposits, business banking facilities and current account management.

Funding Available

Individual grants of between £30,000 and £400,000 (inclusive of VAT) are available, with a total fund value of approximately £1.2 million.

Applications can be submitted by individual organisations or partnerships. Collaborative approaches are particularly encouraged, especially where financial service providers work alongside community organisations to deliver local solutions.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

• Community groups
• Charities and voluntary organisations
• Local partnerships
• Business Improvement Districts (BIDs)
• Public sector organisations
• Building societies
• Credit unions
• Post offices

Organisations do not need to be based in York and North Yorkshire, but any funded activity must take place within the region.

For partnership applications, a lead organisation will need to submit the application and enter into the grant agreement on behalf of the partnership.

What Can Be Funded?

The fund will support capital, revenue or blended projects that deliver practical banking services and solutions. Funding is not available for feasibility studies or business case development alone.

• Eligible costs may include:
• Building refurbishment
• Building or room rental
• Staff costs
• Purchase or hire of hardware
• Related service delivery costs

Examples of the types of activity that could be supported include:

• New high street banking provision
• Banking services delivered through existing building societies or credit unions
• Co-located services within community venues or high street buildings
• Part-time, outreach or pop-up banking services

Long-Term Sustainability Required

Projects must demonstrate a commitment to operating for an initial period of three years and provide a clear plan showing how services will continue beyond the funded period.

Application Deadline

Applications for the Access to Banking Fund must be submitted by 30 September 2026.

This funding presents an opportunity for VCSE organisations to work with partners to develop innovative, community-based solutions that improve access to essential banking services and support local residents and businesses.

For further information and application details, visit the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority website Here