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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Stanton pupils given task of spending Tamworth Co-op cash
Pupils at a village school have had a lot of thinking to do – they’ve been tasked with the job of deciding how to spend a £254 windfall. The money was presented to Stanton Primary School by Tamworth Co-operative Society and came from its Community Dividend Fund which helps numerous good causes
Pupils get a magical experience thanks to Tamworth Co-op
Whittington Primary School is setting up a ‘magic room’ for pupils after receiving a cash gift from the Tamworth Co-op. Head teacher Sally Wilmot says the room will be a special place for pupils to experience with magic, music, mood lighting and aromatherapy all helping to create a calming atmosphere.
Tamworth Co-op helps school to equip its new kitchen
Staff at a Lichfield school have been clinking their coffee cups to a local business which helped them put the final touches to their new impressive community café. Saxon Hill School recently completed a £250,000 improvement programme in its dining room which includes a newly opened café area. And money from the Tamworth Co-op’s Community Dividend Fund was used to equip the kitchen, including a set of new crockery.
Retirement club’s funds boosted by Tamworth Co-op
Members of North Warwickshire Retired Miners Club will have two coach outings and a Christmas party to thank the Tamworth Co-op for once 2013 is out. Secretary Andrew Brown says the cheque he received for £579 from the Tamworth Co-op’s Community Dividend Fund ‘astonished’ all the
Volunteers get ‘moor’ help from the Tamworth Co-op
A group of volunteers dedicated to enhancing a nature reserve near Tamworth have had their efforts rewarded for the second time in three years by the Tamworth Co-operative Society. The Friends of Warwickshire Moor in Bolehall has received a cheque for £746 from the Society’s Community//