Communities in Northern Ireland will be able to apply for a share of more than £125,000 in 2020 for local projects that benefit people and places.
Money raised from the sale of reusable Bags for Life in stores across the country will now be used to fund local projects in Northern Ireland through the supermarket’s Bags of Help scheme that is administered by Groundwork UK.
Customers will decide where the money goes, casting their votes for shortlisted charities using blue tokens handed out in stores.
Applications will open in January and people can nominate groups and charities benefiting communities across Northern Ireland. Voting will launch in April and three groups will be awarded grant amounts of £2,000, £1,000 or £500 every three months in a total of 10 funding areas.
The announcement follows the success of the supermarket’s Tesco Centenary Fund, which saw grants of up to £50,000 awarded in Northern Ireland in honour of Tesco’s 100th birthday.
Graham Duxbury, CEO of Groundwork UK, said:
“It’s great that we are launching Bags of Help in Northern Ireland to enable more local communities to improve the local spaces and places that matter to them. We are pleased to be able to be a part of the journey and provide support and encouragement to help local communities thrive.”
Jason Tarry, Tesco’s UK & ROI CEO, said:
“Through the Tesco Centenary Fund, we saw the difference we could help make to community groups and charities across Northern Ireland. That’s why in 2020 we’ll be rolling out a permanent Bags of Help grant to deliver more little helps to the people making a difference in our communities. From projects to improve community spaces to groups looking for support with community events, purchasing new equipment and funding coaches, we encourage you to nominate and apply when voting opens in January 2020, and get involved in this fantastic new scheme.”
Tesco Centenary Fund voting is ongoing in stores across Northern Ireland until the end of 2019. Shortlisted charities are Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, Marie Curie and Community Rescue Services (CRS).
Find out more at: www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp