The £250,000 Building Communities Fund was launched today by Hopkins Homes, designed to support areas in which they are building new homes.

The Building Communities Fund, launched today with support from the Transforming Suffolk Investment Fund, will award grants ranging from £500 to £5,000 twice a year, with a key aim to help charities and groups supporting homelessness and displacement, deprivation and vulnerable people.

The first round of grants will be distributed by the Suffolk Community Foundation (SCF) on behalf of Hopkins Homes in January, with charities and community groups across the county already being encouraged to apply.

Executive chairman at Hopkins Homes, James Hopkins, said: “We have also always been committed to playing our part in building communities.

“One way in which we do that is by supporting good causes that help the most disadvantaged in society.

“I am very pleased that we have been able to create a substantial endowment fund that guarantees support to these causes every year.”

Stephen Singleton, chief executive of Suffolk Community Foundation, added: “James and his team were one of the first corporate supporters of Suffolk Community Foundation’s work almost a decade ago.

“They remain prepared to step forward and support solutions for some of the toughest social challenges we face here in Suffolk.

“By creating this new sustainable endowment fund, they have once again deepened their commitment to the social cohesion and wellbeing of those most in need in Suffolk.”

Since 2007, Hopkins Homes has donated more than £24,000 to charities and good causes across Suffolk, including a £1,800 donation to YMCA Suffolk to run a homework club in Kirkley, £3,000 to support Waveney Domestic Violence and Abuse Forum, £2,000 for Ipswich Housing Action Group with an aim to reduce rough sleeping and £4,000 to refurbish the residents’ lounge at Bury St. Edmunds Women’s Aid Centre.

For information on how to apply for a share of the £25,000 Building Communities Fund, visit www.hopkinshomes.co.uk/building-communities-fund or contact the Suffolk Community Foundation by calling (01473) 602602 or emailing info@suffolkcf.org.uk.