Pilgrims Launch Charity Policy
In line with our Vision and Values, we are excited to announce the launch of a new charity policy, designed to help the club make an impactful difference for the community we represent.
The policy reinforces the club’s ongoing commitment to supporting local and national causes on a long-term basis, with clear processes on how, when, and why we support chosen charities.
The club, in partnership with the Argyle Community Trust, is looking to work with organisations where we can make a key, measurable impact from working together – including activities supported by the club and its partners.
While COVID-19 has presented significant challenges, it has underlined the importance of supporting our community throughout Devon and Cornwall – and the club, alongside the Trust, has been providing wide-ranging support in a range of health and wellbeing initiatives throughout the pandemic, handing over Home Park Stadium for NHS and Public Health use, delivering food parcels to those who need them most, and a number of Trust-led initiatives to combat loneliness and isolation throughout the crisis.
Through the Argyle Community Trust (ACT), the club’s official charity partner, further work will be undertaken to support the club’s corporate social responsibility (CSR). Each year, the Trust will identify a societal need or inequality. Examples of which could include homelessness, loneliness, socially isolated and vulnerable adults, food poverty, health inequality, migrant resettlement, women in sport and BAME representation in sport. The club will commit its support – through resources, brand reach, and personalities – to these chosen charities.
Alongside supporting the ACT to deliver vital work in the region, the club is committed to supporting and working with the EFL’s nominated national charity, currently the mental health charity Mind, along with two nominated charities across the season.
From Friday, 25 June, we are inviting regional charities to apply for selection as our chosen charities, allowing us to fully commit club and Trust resources in partnership to help make a significant personnel, expertise, and promotional contribution towards their charitable aims.
The club and Trust will commit to a range of initiatives for our chosen charities, including fundraising support, outreach assistance, staff volunteering, in-kind services, and event sponsorship.
While our new charity policy underlines Argyle’s commitment to supporting two chosen charities, ad-hoc support will continue for other organisations for public benefit throughout the year, and those not nominated will still receive a level of support where possible.
Plymouth Argyle CEO Andrew Parkinson said: “As a club for our community, we treat all requests for charitable support with the utmost importance.
“We are committed to helping create long-lasting and impactful change in our city and region, and by implementing a wide-ranging, comprehensive charity policy and offer, we hope that we can use the power of Argyle as a force for good.
“Our new policy provides clear selection criteria for identified charities. This will allow us to work more strategically with them and will ensure our nominated charities share the important Vision and Values of the club.”
Gary Sawyer, former club captain and Argyle Ambassador, added: “As I have said throughout my time at the club, I am proud to be associated with Argyle and the work we do in the region – and the new charity policy takes that one step further.
“By providing the opportunity for two designated partner charities to join Argyle, we can ensure that our support is targeted to projects that we can really help drive forward.”
Applications open on Friday 25 June, with charities chosen by a panel of Plymouth Argyle and Argyle Community Trust staff, a player representative and club ambassador.
An announcement on chosen charities will be made on the Greens’ opening home fixture of the 21/22 Sky Bet League One season.
Our full policy, including selection criteria and objectives, can be read by clicking here, while prospective partner charities can download an application form here.
Please email completed applications to charities@pafc.co.uk.