The scheme is open to all registered charities and not-for-profit organisations, with priority given to projects that provide food and support to young people.
Examples of eligible applications with a focus on food security, children and young people could be:
- A local school needing support to buy food for a children’s breakfast club
- A voluntary organisation working with families to run a food bank
- A charity supporting young people with specialist advice to manage mental health
- A brownie or scout group needing new camping equipment
- Kitchen equipment for a youth project to set up a holiday club
- Supporting a community centre wanting to put on a Christmas lunch or Meals on Wheels service
- A healthy eating project that supports families to cook healthy meals on a budget
- A local friends of a park group wanting to develop a new toddler area
The funding is for projects that are ready to be delivered, but it will not cover retrospective costs (already committed or spent) such as design fees, planning permissions costs or community consultation.
How to apply
There are no deadlines. This is a rolling programme and applications can be made at any time. Groups can also reapply at any time.
The application process is as follows. Groups should:
- Read the guidance notes and frequently asked question document before starting the application process.
- Find their local store. This can be done by entering their project's postcode into the store locator on the Tesco website. This information is required for the application form.
- Complete the eligibility checker.
Eligible organisations can apply online for a grant, applications are assessed and shortlisted. Every three months successful shortlisted applications are put into a customer vote in Tesco stores across the UK.
The project that receives the most votes in its area will be awarded a grant of up to £1,500 second place receiving up to £1,000 and third place up to £500. Customers are given a blue token when they buy their shopping that they can use to make their choice using the voting units in most stores.