Local environmental charity Groundwork are encouraging community groups across England, Wales and Scotland to submit their applications for a grant of up to £12,000 to improve local green spaces.
Applications can be made at www.groundwork.org.uk/tescocommunityscheme
The current funding round closes for applications at 12 noon on 27th November 2015, with the next opportunity to bid occurring in early 2016.
The grants programme is managed by Groundwork and funded by Tesco customers from the proceeds of the 5p charge for plastic carrier bags as a result of a government carrier bag levy. Projects that will get the green light as a result of the funding will include new pocket parks, sports facilities, woodland walks and community gardens.
The charity is encouraging online applications from a wide range of organisations including: voluntary/community organisations, registered charities, health bodies, Parish/Town councils, social enterprises, Community Interest Companies, community councils, local authorities and housing organisations. Other not-for-profit organisations might also be eligible.
Applications will be shortlisted with three projects in each Tesco region moving forward to a Tesco in store customer vote and will receive grants of either £8,000, £10,000 or £12,000.
Locally based Groundwork ‘Community Enablers’ are available to provide advice to groups on preparing their bids.
Graham Duxbury, Chief Executive at Groundwork UK, said: "With just a few weeks to go before this funding round closes we’re encouraging as many community groups as possible to have a think about local projects that would benefit from a grant. We know that local people have the clearest ideas of the projects that need a bit of TLC where they live and so we look forward to being able to support as many projects across England, Wales and Scotland as possible.”
Rebecca Shelley, Group Communications Director for Tesco said: "We’re doing what we can to help our customers minimise the impact of the bag charge as well as their impact on the environment, by helping them recycle and re-use their bags. We’re also supporting individual projects, chosen locally by our customers, which will add up to make a real difference in communities.
That’s why I’d encourage community groups across England, Wales and Scotland to apply for a grant and to visit the dedicated website to find out more.”
For more information on how to apply click
here