Tesco is encouraging charities and community groups in South Devon to apply for funding for local projects that matter to them.
The newly-rebranded Tesco Community Grants scheme will award funds to charities and community organisations whose focus is on helping children and families access the food and support they need for a good start in life. Eligible projects will include breakfast or holiday lunch clubs, food banks, youth clubs or schools.
From July, community groups in South Devon will be selected to receive votes from the public to decide which project receives the most funding.
Funding pots of £500, £1,000 and £1,500 will be available for the shortlisted projects, and Tesco customers will be able to choose which one receives the most funding by voting in store every time they shop.
Among the South Devon community schemes to benefit from Tesco funding in recent years was the Torquay-based Disabled Sailing Association, which used the money to introduce more disabled people than ever before to the joys of the sea.
Keith Jackson, Tesco Community Grant Manager at Tesco, said: “Over the years, we’ve been delighted to have been able to support so many charities, community groups and organisations from every corner of the UK. The help and support they provide to families and children is now more important than ever.
“We’re encouraging groups in South Devon to apply for funding as we hope to see the fantastic community work they provide to continue long into the future.”
Originally launched in 2016 as Bags of Help, the scheme has supported over 36,000 community groups with more than £86million in grants since 2016, including 2,000 sports teams and 1,400 groups supporting vulnerable older people.
In 2020 alone, more than 10,000 groups were awarded grants of more than £7.9million by Tesco throughout the UK.
The Tesco Community Grants scheme, in partnership with the Groundwork charity, will support thousands of community projects and good causes across the UK. It is open to registered charities and not-for-profit organisations, so eligible organisations can apply for a grant now. Tesco customers or colleagues can nominate a cause that they’d like to see supported.
Graham Duxbury, Groundwork’s UK Chief Executive, said: “The last year has been extremely difficult for everyone, and that includes community groups and charities who will have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic. Many groups have seen a surge in demand for their services while volunteer numbers decrease, which has caused mounting pressure.
“We’re delighted to be working with Tesco to provide these much-needed funds, which will help to support local communities as we recover from the pandemic.”
To apply for a Tesco Community Grant, visit https://tescocommunitygrants.org.uk/
