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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Tamworth Co-op helps Polesworth ATC to reach new heights
The sky’s the limit for a group of Polesworth air cadets after they were handed a cheque for £1,305 from one of Tamworth’s best-known businesses. 1200 (Polesworth) Air Training Corps will use the money from the Tamworth Co-op’s Community Dividend Fund to buy a flight simulator to gain a realistic experience of flying aircraft.
Tamworth Co-op bonus to stroke support group
A vital support group, which caters for people who have suffered strokes, has received a cash bonus from the Tamworth Co-operative Society. Trevor Baker, chairman and treasurer of Tamworth Stroke Patients and their Carers Group, receives a cheque from Tamworth Co-op’s Ron Constable (right) in front of several members who attend the monthly meetings at the Carnegie Centre.
Tamworth Co-op helps Dogs’ Rehoming
A dog rescue organisation which prides itself on preventing healthy strays from being unnecessarily put to sleep has received a whopping £808 cheque from the Tamworth Co-operative Society. Dun Roamin, of Dosthill, is a not-for-profit organisation which collects stray dogs on behalf of Tamworth District Council and East Staffordshire Borough Council. The animals in its care are vaccinated, kennel cough inoculated, micro chipped and health checked by vets. They are then housed with other dogs at Witherley Boarding Kennels and Cattery. The dogs are kept for an indefinite period of time until they are found suitable new homes.//