Northern Rock Foundation was an independent charity and company limited by guarantee in the United Kingdom. It was formed in 1997 when the Northern Rock company was floated on the stock exchange. Following the near-collapse of the bank and its nationalisation by the UK government, followed by the eventual sale of part of it to Virgin Money. The Foundation continued for a number of years. Virgin Money contributed grants totalling £1.5 million in 2011 and 2012, but in April 2014 it was announced that it would be wound down after not being able to agree further funding terms with Virgin. It closed in 2016.
The Northern Rock Foundation aimed to tackle disadvantage and improve quality of life in the North East and Cumbria. Between 1998 and 2016 the Foundation awarded £235.8 million in 4,417 grants.
History
Founding
The foundation was formed when the Northern Rock company was floated, with an initial donation of 15% of the share capital and a covenant to donate 5% of the company's annual profit thereafter.[3]