Lidl Ireland has officially launched a new Green Fund to award communities across the country with €100,000 in funding to support local sustainability projects.
The retailer will support projects that aim to tackle key environmental challenges across climate and biodiversity, circular economy and sustainable living, for the benefit of towns and villages the length and breadth of the country.
Charities, primary schools and secondary schools, as well as community groups from all around the country can now apply for Lidl’s new Green Fund which offers a top award of €25,000 to a lead project or initiative.
The fund will also allocate an additional €75,000 to multiple smaller projects regionally.
Lidl is seeking applications form community projects across four key areas: climate, biodiversity, reducing waste and health and wellbeing.
The fund, developed in partnership with Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI), is part of the retailer’s overarching sustainability strategy and commitment to creating A Better Tomorrow, contributing positively to hundreds of communities.
‘Embedding Sustainable Practices’
Speaking at the launch, broadcaster, podcaster and advocate for sustainability Fionnuala Jay said, “I’m delighted to support the launch of Lidl’s Green Fund.
“It’s great to see major retailers like Lidl really lead the way in embedding sustainable practices not only within their business but also in the communities which they serve.
“This is such a great opportunity for smaller community groups, charities or schools to get the financial boost they need to make their vision a reality and really transform their local area.
“Whether that’s a community group in Lahinch launching a local repair shop to give a new lease of life to old items, or a charity in Skibbereen hosting nutrition workshops for improved health or a school in Carrickmacross creating a new pollinator-friendly garden, Lidl’s Green Fund is there to support community goals, big or small.
“Having dedicated my career to working in this space, I’m calling on every eligible group to apply now and be in with a chance to make a real change in their community.”
'Small Steps Can Add Up'
The head of sustainability at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland Elaine O'Connor added, “At Lidl, we continue to set ambitious goals and take tangible actions to mitigate challenges and protect our planet for future generations, because it’s the right thing to do.
“Together, small steps can add up to a better, more sustainable tomorrow for us all.
“As Ireland’s most sustainable retailer, we know we have a responsibility to educate and support our customers and the communities in which we operate to lead more sustainable lives.
“With a network of over 180 stores in Ireland, we want to use our reach into local communities as a real force for good and the launch of the new Lidl Green Fund is our latest initiative designed to move us forward in the journey towards A Better Tomorrow.”
Tomás Sercovich, CEO at BITCI, said, “With 2024 being the hottest year on record and global warming exceeding 1.5 degrees, concerted community action is critical.
“We are thrilled to partner with Lidl Ireland to launch its new Green Fund initiative.
“As leaders in sustainability and social inclusion, we worked with Lidl to design and develop the fund to ensure its accessibility by communities right across Ireland and, importantly, its impact.
“With a total fund of €100,000 available and a share of €25,000 allocated to multiple project requests, this funding will be transformative for many groups who want to further embed sustainable action in their local area.
“I would encourage everyone to apply for a share of the fund and I look forward to helping shortlist applications and award winners across Ireland later this summer.”
Applications are now open until 24 March. For more information on how to apply, visit https://greenfund.abettertomorrow-lidl.ie/
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