BUSINESSES have been urged to sign up for a new charity campaign to benefit communities across the Bradford district which need the most help.

The #GiveBradford scheme, launched today, will offer firms a chance to give something back to Bradford and pump money into community projects.

The scheme aims to address issues in the district, including life expectancy in Manningham, which is almost ten years lower than Ilkley.

More than 41,000 children are living in poverty in the Bradford district, which is the fifth most income-deprived local authority in England.

The scheme has set up a 100 Club, which is a membership scheme that unites businesses and individuals who want to boost the district. Annual membership will cost £1,000, and it is hoped 100 will sign up.

There is also a separate named funds section, which will give firms and individuals the chance to set up their own charitable fund, to be invested and managed by the project’s organisers.

The scheme is managed by Leeds Community Foundation (LCF) and has been created alongside a steering group of business leaders from across the district, who have been consulted over the last year.

LCF has invested more than £3.8 million since 2012 into community projects and small charities across the Bradford district, which have helped more than 155,000 people. It handed out £593,000 worth of grants last year.

Craig Burton, 52, the project’s steering group chairman, issued a rallying cry for firms to sign up.

He started his firm, The Works Recruitment, in Little Germany in 1991, and hopes firms will follow suit and join the scheme.

Mr Burton said: “We see the scheme as a good way for businesses to give back to the community. We really need businesses to get behind us now.

“This is great news for Bradford and it is about businesses coming together and putting their hands in their pockets for the benefit of the Bradford district.

“It is important that charity begins at home. It’s a fantastic city and we owe our fortunes to it. We want everybody to get behind it. It will help community groups and support people who need the funding.”

Firms already signed up to the scheme’s 100 Club include LCF Law, Packetts and Provident Financial. Another firm committed to the cause is chemical company Christeyns.

Nick Garthwaite, the firm’s managing director and president of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: “I’m a strong believer in contributing to the wellbeing of the communities and think it is important for businesses across Bradford to come together for the greater good of the district.

“I think the #GiveBradford campaign provides a platform for businesses to learn more about local issues and use their networks to help local people who need our support.

“This is why we are proud to join the 100 Club and hope more will get involved with this important campaign for our city.”

The #GiveBradford scheme will be launched today with an event at Salts Mill, Saltaire, with speakers including Bradford Council chief executive Kersten England.

Kate Hainsworth, LCF deputy chief executive officer, said: “Through #GiveBradford, we want to work in partnership with local businesses to increase community investment across the district and support people and communities that need it most.

“Over the past year we have met with a number of companies and local entrepreneurs across Bradford district who are extremely passionate about supporting their local community. The campaign will provide a way for businesses to give back and make a positive difference locally.”

As its official media partner, the Telegraph & Argus will help put the spotlight on the work businesses do to help as part of the #GiveBradford scheme.

Go to givebradford.org.uk to join the 100 Club or for more information.