Introducing our Community Dividend Fund
“The money is raised in the community, for the community and by the community. What could be better than that?” – Rev Mike Harris, Vicar of Amington
Background
The Tamworth Co-operative Society has always supported the local community. In 1889, for example, we gave cash to a local cottage hospital, the fire brigade, and even to a member who had lost his horse. This tradition of giving has lasted for more than a century and today’s Tamworth Co-op helps the community in many ways. Every year we organise meals in conjunction with South Staffordshire College and give away the proceeds. We also hold an annual Christmas memorial service for people who have lost loved ones. The Society supports various charities too with ad hoc donations. However, our Community Dividend Fund is now our biggest fundraising initiative, generating a five-figure sum each year for 15 worthy organisations across our trading area.
How the Community Dividend Fund works
Every year our 11 convenience stores, town centre supermarket and main department store are aligned to local worthy causes. These are nominated by our customers and you don’t even have to be a member to put forward a group for consideration. Nominations are approved by the Board of Directors. Shoppers who visit their local branch can then donate the dividends they earn on their purchases to the cause it has been partnered with. This year’s receiving Good Causes are listed here.
Who can benefit?
We are looking for organisations such as schools, playgroups, clubs for the elderly or specific interest groups which carry out an important function for the benefit of people living in the community. Big national charities, such as Cancer Research and the British Heart Foundation, will not be eligible as we are looking to help doorstep projects. Groups nominated by customers must not be in the private sector or for profit. In addition they must be near to the particular branch they visit.
How much do the groups receive?
There is no limit to how much a community group can receive as it depends purely on the goodwill of customers. A five-figure sum is raised annually across all participating branches and cheques to individual groups have ranged from £200 to around £2,000. We would encourage all nominated organisations to spread the word and ensure people know how to support them.
How do I nominate a cause?
Nominations become active in October and November each year with forms available at all branches. This is promoted in the local media, in all our stores and on this website. Customers can only vote once and at just one location. For more information, click here.
“We’re local, we’re independent and we care.”
Latest Community Dividend Fund presentations :
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Brownhills pupils climb high thanks to Tamworth Co-op cash
A Brownhills school has been celebrating another cash windfall from the Tamworth Co-op which will help it to improve its play facilities. The money will fund special add-ons to the climbing frame which the Society also helped Watling Street Primary School to buy last year. Nearly £300 has
It’s party time for ‘walking bus’ pupils at Stretton school
More than 60 Stretton pupils who walk to school and back every day are to party in style, thanks to a £734 windfall from the Tamworth Co-operative Society. The pupils, aged between 5 and 11, are all involved in the William Shrewsbury Primary School’s ‘walking bus’ scheme.
Coffee cups are raised to the Tamworth Co-op
Organisers of a community café which provides free coffee and light bites have raised their mugs to one of the town’s best-loved businesses. The Manna House coffee shop, which is run by the charitable arm of Tamworth Elim Church, received £732 from the Tamworth Co-op’s Community Dividend Fund. Situated in Glascote Road, it opens five days a week between 10am and 3pm as a drop-in coffee centre for anyone in search of a place to relax and a friendly listening ear.
Efforts to protect wildlife backed by the Tamworth Co-op
A group of volunteers dedicated to enhancing the enjoyment of Warwickshire Moor for both humans and wildlife have praised the Tamworth Co-operative Society for supporting their efforts over the past two years. The Friends of Warwickshire Moor have been handed a cheque for £850 from the Tamworth Co-operative Society’s Community Dividend Fund. Secretary Pam Clarke said the support the group has received from the Society has proved invaluable.
Co-op cash boosts drop-in centres for vulnerable people
An important Christian charity which reaches out to the most vulnerable people in the area has received cash from the Tamworth Co-op. The Starfish Project was set up eight years ago as an initiative of Tamworth Covenanting Churches. In addition to operating a café in the crypt of St Editha’s Church, the project runs drop-in centres at St Andrew’s Methodist Church in Leyfields, St Martin’s Church in Stonydelph and the Sacred Heart Church in Glascote Heath.//