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 :
« First ‹ Previous 1 3 4 5 6 7 15 21 Next › Last »
Shoppers at Wood End Co-op help fund support ‘den’ for pupils
Generous shoppers have given up their dividends to help fund a support centre at a North Warwickshire school for pupils experiencing family problems, bereavement and other issues.
Glascote Co-op shoppers donate their dividends to raise bumper amount for pre-school
Staff at a Tamworth pre-school say they are overwhelmed by the generosity of shoppers who have raised £1,305 for the group by giving up the rewards earned on their purchases.
Polesworth Co-op shoppers stump up ‘divis’ for scout tents
Polesworth scouts will be packing a new set of tents when they set off for summer camp, thanks to the generosity of customers at their local convenience store.
Whoopee – pupils get a tepee funded by Tamworth Co-op shoppers’ dividends!
Pupils at a special school are looking forward to spending time in a giant tepee bought with dividend cash donated by generous shoppers at a Tamworth Co-op convenience store.
First Responders get largest slice of Tamworth Co-op Community Dividend Fund
Tamworth’s emergency first responder team has received a significant injection of cash after food shoppers in the town gave up their loyalty rewards to support the life-saving service.//