Three weeks left for community projects to bag share of £12k

Three weeks left for community projects to bag share of £12k

Tesco is urging local community groups and good causes across Rochdale to get their applications in to bag a share of its £13million carrier bag charge fund.

The supermarket has once again teamed up with Groundwork to launch its Bags of Help initiative, which sees grants of £12,000, £10,000 and £8,000 – all raised from the 5p bag levy – being awarded to environmental and green space projects.

Millions of shoppers voted in stores up and down the country for the last round of funding – with more than £11.5million being awarded to winning projects.

Applications for the next round of the funding opened on 18 April – and with just three weeks until the deadline of 3 June – Tesco is urging groups in Rochdale to apply now and avoid missing out.

Caroline Silke, Head of Charity and Local Community at Tesco, said: “With more than 4,500 groups applying and almost 1200 receiving a grant, the last round of Bags of Help was a great success.

“The deadline for applications for the second round of applications is fast approaching. This is a fantastic opportunity for community groups to bag a grant of up to £12,000 and I would urge groups to visit our website or call the dedicated helpline now to avoid missing out.”

As well as applying direct, suggestions for projects can also be nominated all year round by people living locally.

All interested charities and community groups have to do is apply online at:

http://www.groundwork.org.uk/tescocommunityscheme

Or call the helpline on 0121 237 5780.

Once all the bids are in and have been shortlisted to a final three, Tesco customers will get the chance to vote in stores for which of the three finalists – and their respective environmental improvement projects – they’d like to see win the prize money.

These finalists will receive grants of £12,000, £10,000 and £8,000. Customers will be able to vote for their favourite project from early September.

Administration of the local funding is being handled by environmental improvement charity Groundwork, which specialises in supporting communities to transform local green spaces for the better.

Graham Duxbury, Groundwork UK Chief Executive, said: “The clock is ticking on the deadline to submit applications for the second round of Bags of Help. I would urge community groups and organisations everywhere to get their applications in to take advantage of this fantastic scheme.”