Scotmid has launched an initiative that will give over 60 charities and community groups across Scotland and the North of England vital funding support each year, putting more power than ever into the hands of local people.
The co-operative’s new Member Choice Awards is described as “a bold programme designed to make Scotmid’s community funding more accessible, inclusive and impactful, allowing Scotmid members to vote for causes close to their hearts by simply using their membership card when they shop.”
Pictured above are, left to right, Morven Pollok, Scotmid’s membership and community administrator, Gary Russell, marketing and social media manager and Hannah Cochrane, marketing and social media assistant.
The launch comes during the International Year of Cooperatives, a time to celebrate how co-operative businesses like Scotmid put community first. The new scheme is part of its ongoing commitment to strengthen and support the areas it serves.
It also sits alongside Scotmid’s long-standing community grants and donations, which support over 1,000 good causes every year, from youth clubs and foodbanks to environmental groups and mental health charities.
Lynne Ogg (left), head of membership and community engagement, said: “This is a step forward in how we support our communities. We’re making our funding more accessible than ever and giving more groups the chance to benefit. In the International Year of Cooperatives, it’s the perfect time to empower our members and invest in the people doing incredible work at local level.”
Each region’s top-voted group will receive £5,000, with all other shortlisted groups awarded £1,000. In Scotland, top-voted groups will also pitch at Scotmid Annual General Meetings for the chance to win a further £5,000.
That means 63 groups each year will receive practical, flexible funding to help them enhance their services, expand their reach, or simply keep doing the great work they already do.
Applications are now open, and Scotmid is calling on local charities and good causes to get involved.
You can apply now and find out more here.
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