Good causes across Scotland are set to “bag” a funding boost of more than £750,000 as The Co-operative today (Wednesday) launches its Local Fund to share the money raised through carrier bag charges and sales in its food stores.
The community retailer is calling on local causes or community groups in Scotland interested in “carrying” away a share of the Co-op Local Fund to apply online.
It is envisaged that approaching 1,000 organisations and groups across Scotland will receive grants of between £200 and £2,500 from The Co-op Local Fund to make a difference in their community.
In addition to the 5p minimum charge on single-use bags, The Co-op has also pledged to go further and top-up the fund with proceeds from its entire range of carriers, including sales of its bags-for-life and its new woven reusable shopping bags.
Applications can be made until midnight on Wednesday 7th October. Then, between 16th November and 11th December, the community retailer will give its one million members in Scotland a chance to vote and have a say, from a shortlist of organisations, on how the fund will benefit local communities.
John McNeill, Divisional Managing Director for The Co-operative Food in Scotland, said: “We are asking the Scottish public to nominate those causes that they care about and would like to see supported through The Co-op Local Fund. The money raised will enable organisations across Scotland to make a difference in their community – together, we will reduce, reuse, recycle, and reinvest in our communities.”
Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland, commented: “Since the carrier bag charge came into force we have seen a huge reduction in single-use carrier bags in circulation in Scotland – around 150 million fewer last year alone. This has been a huge success with people changing their shopping habits to take re-usable bags with them.”
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food, and the Environment, Richard Lochhead, added: “I would like to commend The Co-operative for their support, and to encourage as many projects and local good causes as possible to apply in order for their communities to benefit from a share of the funds”.
The Co-operative has seen an 80% reduction in single-use carrier bags in circulation since the introduction of the charge.
For further information or to make an application visit www.co-oplocalfund.co.uk.
