Local environmental charity Groundwork are encouraging community groups in South, East & West Wales to get their applications for a grant of up to £12,000 to improve local green spaces

The current funding round closes for applications at 12 noon on November 27, 2015, with the next opportunity to bid occurring in early 2016.

The grants programme is managed by Groundwork and funded by Tesco customers from the proceeds of the 5p charge for plastic carrier bags as a result of a government carrier bag levy. Projects that will get the green light as a result of the funding will include new pocket parks, sports facilities, woodland walks and community gardens.??The charity is encouraging online applications from a wide range of organisations including: voluntary/community organisations, registered charities, health bodies, Parish/Town councils, social enterprises, Community Interest Companies, community councils, local authorities and housing organisations.  Other not-for-profit organisations might also be eligible. ??Applications will be shortlisted with three projects in each Tesco region moving forward to a Tesco in store customer vote and will receive grants of either £8,000, £10,000 or £12,000. ??Locally based Groundwork ‘Community Enablers’ are available to provide advice to groups on preparing their bids. ??Ian Dennis, Community Enabler at Groundwork Wales said: “With just a few weeks to go before this funding round closes we’re encouraging as many community groups as possible to have a think about local projects that would benefit from a grant. We know that local people have the clearest ideas of the projects that need a bit of TLC where they live and so we look forward to being able to support as many in South, East and West Wales as possible.”

?Rebecca Shelley, Group Communications Director for Tesco said: “We’re doing what we can to help our customers minimise the impact of the bag charge as well as their impact on the environment, by helping them recycle and re-use their bags. We’re also supporting individual projects, chosen locally by our customers, which will add up to make a real difference in communities.

 That’s why I’d encourage community groups your local area to apply for a grant and to visit the dedicated website to find out more.”?

Applications can be made at www.groundwork.org.uk/tescocommunityscheme