CDL employs over 600 people at its Stockport campus and is a market leader transforming the insurance shopping experience through powerful software solutions, supporting brands such as Money Supermarket, Swinton, Tesco Bank and Virgin Money.

CDL approached Forever Manchester to help them give something back to local communities by investing in grassroots projects. In April 2012 they launched the CDL Fund.

The fund was created to support grassroots community projects, delivered by local volunteers across Stockport and its adjoining areas, where the company is based and where a majority of its staff live, and now forms a key part of a robust CSR strategy for CDL.

During a fantastic five years, £188,296 has been delivered to support 96 community groups delivering 113 projects. The number of local residents who have benefited from those projects amounts to a fabulous 42,967 people – a sixth of the population of Stockport.

A wide range of community projects have been supported such as InspirED Stockport, which supports IT training in communities across Stockport; SAFE (Standards Against Female Exploitation), providing support to launch a project to work with children in care who are particularly at risk of exploitation; Community Essence, who provide training workshops in Edgeley focusing on all generations and supporting residents with mental health problems; and Fun + Fitness for 50+, which provide appropriate exercise classes as well as a social environment for local residents to help with physical and mental wellbeing.

CDL has a holistic approach to delivery of their fund; they provide in-kind support for groups it has funded, such as providing reconditioned computers for community projects as well as volunteering with those groups providing meaningful opportunities for both the group and the company, and inviting groups such as the Affinity Choir into their workplace for performances. As well as providing funding, CDL always considers how they can additionally support a project using their skills or contacts to help make a difference.

Melissa Johnson, Director, says: “The creation of the CDL Fund five years ago has meant that, as a company, we are able to demonstrate real and meaningful support for grassroots community projects across Stockport. We wanted to do this because we believe in supporting local people; providing opportunities for them to make a difference where they live. We see some fantastic ideas come to life and that is really rewarding. We are delighted with the impact of the CDL Fund in Stockport communities over the last five years.”