Lidl Ireland has launched a €100,000 Green Fund to support local projects that aim to tackle key environmental challenges in climate and biodiversity, the circular economy and sustainable living for the benefits of their towns and villages.
Charities, primary and secondary schools and community groups from every county can apply to the Green Fund, which offers a top award of €25,000 to a lead project or initiative, with a further €75,000 allocated to multiple smaller projects regionally.
Lidl is seeking applications for community projects across four key areas:
- Climate Initiatives that support communities to develop climate action plans that minimise the impacts of climate change e.g. installation of solar panels, LED lighting, carbon literacy training.
- Biodiversity Initiatives that will develop environmental projects to support all ecosystems within our local communities e.g. community garden, nature trails, native and pollinator friendly planting, pocket forest, marine environment and conservation projects
- Reducing Waste identifying solutions to reduce waste and support a circular economy e.g. waste programmes, repair cafes, upcycling, workshops and seminars.
- Health and Wellbeing educating local communities to promote healthy diets and make healthier food choices, e.g. community cooking programme, nutrition workshops
“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," said Elaine O'Connor, head of sustainability at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland.
"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.”
Lidl’s Green Fund, developed in partnership with Business in the Community Ireland, is part of the retailer’s overarching sustainability strategy and commitment to creating 'A Better Tomorrow', contributing positively to the communities in which they operate and being good stewards of the environment.
“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," said Tomás Serovich, CEO of Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI).
"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."
Speaking at the launch, broadcaster, podcaster and advocate for sustainability Fionnuala Jay said: "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.”
Applications to Lidl's Green Fund are open until 24 March. For more information, or to apply, visit: greenfund.abettertomorrow-lidl.ie
Photo: (l-r) Tomás Sercovich, CEO of Business in the Community Ireland; Fionnuala Jay, broadcaster and sustainability advocate; and Elaine O'Connor, head of sustainability at Lidl Ireland. (Pic: Supplied)
