Rightmove has launched a £100,000 fund which will be used to support agents in the set-up costs of their charitable activities.

The fund, which will also benefit house builders, aims to maximise the amount that can then be donated to good causes.

The fund will be administered by Agents Giving, the industry charity for estate and lettings agents and their suppliers.

The NAEA, ARLA and Home Builders Federation will help decide how funds should be allocated.

Agents Giving will also top up charitable monies channelled through it by 10%.

So, for example, agents wanting to start an annual charitable ball in aid of a local children’s hospice, could apply for a Rightmove grant of up to £1,000 to get the project under way. The money then raised by the ball could additionally be boosted by 10%, up to a cap of £500.

Phil Spencer, Agents Giving patron, said: “This new initiative with Rightmove is a pivotal step in the process of scaling up the level of money the whole property industry raises for good causes.

“Both organisations’ generosity will encourage our supporters to get events off the ground and our supporters to come up with even more unique fundraising concepts – and we are hoping to get involvement up significantly.

“These welcome initiatives are an extension of changes we have already implemented in 2014, including the rebranding as Agents Giving and broadening of our charitable purpose.”

Mike Tonks, key accounts Director at Rightmove, said: “The industry doesn’t always get the credit it deserves for the charity efforts it undertakes, so it’s great for us to be able to encourage and support fundraising in a tangible way, through working with Agents Giving and the Home Builders Federation.

“We hope the £100,000 Rightmove Fund stimulates even more fundraising.”