A Bristol informal networking organisation set up following drinks between friends in 2005 and which has grown to almost 2,000 members is celebrating another year of supporting good causes in the city.
Bristol Young Professionals (BYP) has awarded grants totalling more than £37,000 since its launch. Now the group, which draws its members from more than 100 businesses, hopes to make 2024 its most successful year so far.
Its BYP Fund grant programme, which is administered by West of England community foundation Quartet, most recently donated £4,030 to corporate volunteering organisation Ablaze to support its activity programmes, which tackle inequality of opportunity for young people in the region.
That follows a £2,900 grant last year to charity Spear to enable 16-24 year olds in challenging circumstances find and stay in sustainable employment or further education. In 2020 BYP donated £3,000 to Quartet’s Covid Response Fund.
With the support of the Bristol office of wealth management firm Investec Wealth & Investment (UK), BYP has also raised £750 for Bristol & Weston’s Hospitals Charity (BWHC) to fund a range of projects supporting young patients to make their stay in hospital a little easier.
BYP will raise more funds for BWHC next Wednesday, 28 February, when it stages a quiz at Pitcher & Piano.
BYP also often partners with other young professionals’ groups in Bristol to boost its fundraising.
Last October it collaborated with Bristol Junior Lawyers Division (BJLD) to host its first Halloween event, with proceeds going to each organisation’s respective charities – Quartet Community Foundation and Bristol Children’s Help Society’s Barton Camp.
BYP has also previously teamed up with long-standing networking organisation Bristol Junior Chamber for an informal game of cricket on The Downs, which kicked off a summer of sport for the group.
Bristol Young Professionals chair Jocelyn Honeywood said: “Bristol is fortunate enough to have a number of excellent networking groups which, like BYP, help form vital communities for young professionals across the city.
“It’s a privilege for us to collaborate with similar groups and like-minded organisations to benefit not only our members but also help raise funds for our respective charity partners.
“Our next ambition is to bring our website up to date following a brand refresh and are actively seeking a sponsor to support us with this much-needed upgrade.
“We are also on the hunt for more dedicated committee members to join our team of volunteers, with the aim of making 2024 our most successful year to date.”
She also thanks, on behalf of BYP, its supporters, including Investec, law firm Freeths and accountancy group KPMG, for their generosity over the years.
Quartet Community Foundation philanthropy officer Rowena Knight said: “We are delighted to continue to work with BYP, who have held a fund with Quartet for many years and through this have been able to support a large number of charities and organisations in the region.
“Quartet is committed to deep rooted change and making a real difference to people’s quality of life in the West of England, and organisations such as BYP are essential in helping us continue to support the vital work of local voluntary and community groups.”
BYP meets on the first Thursday of each month. To find out more, including information about its upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.bristolyp.co.uk
