Kao Data has unveiled the Kao SEED Fund in Stockport, which will provide financial assistance to local community groups, not-for-profit organisations, and grassroots projects.

The fund, which stands for Social Enterprise and Environment Development Fund, offers grants ranging from £500 to £2,500 to support new pilot programmes or to enhance existing community initiatives.

The launch of the SEED Fund aligns with the ongoing development of Kao Data’s new data centre in Reddish, Stockport. The company has partnered with Sector 3, a charity infrastructure organisation, to manage the application process for the fund. Sector 3 will oversee the coordination and evaluation of grant applications on behalf of Kao Data.

Applications for the Kao SEED Fund will open on 21 November and remain open until 12 February 2025. Following the submission period, a panel of judges will review the applications, with successful applicants being informed by 31 March 2025.

“At Kao Data, our commitment to being a good corporate citizen is woven deep into our DNA”, said David Bloom, Founder and Chairman of Kao Data.

“The launch of the Kao SEED Fund in Stockport underscores our dedication to fostering sustainability, positive community action, and development projects that will support the local neighbourhood around what will be our newest data centre.

“As the founder of Kao Data, a serial entrepreneur, a community volunteer myself for over 25 years, and someone who takes great pride in ensuring we fulfil and surpass our corporate social responsibility mandate as a business, I’m excited to see what type of projects the Kao SEED Fund will help make possible.”

Jo McGrath, CEO at Sector 3, added, “It’s inspiring to work alongside a partner like Kao Data who are committed to collaboration, sustainability and genuine community development. Their fund will help further empower Stockport’s already active community to bring forward even more innovative, entrepreneurial ideas that champion a cleaner, greener future.”