Lidl launches €100k Green Fund to support community sustainability projects
Applications to Lidl’s Green Fund are open to primary and secondary schools, charities and community groups across Ireland from 24 February to 24 March 2025
Print25 February 2025
Ireland’s most sustainable supermarket retailer Lidl recently launched a new Green Fund to award communities across the country with €100k in funding in support of local projects that aim to tackle key environmental challenges across climate and biodiversity, circular economy and sustainable living, for the benefit of towns and villages the length and breadth of the country.
Charities, primary and secondary schools and community groups from every county can now apply for Lidl’s new Green Fund which offers a top award of €25k to a lead project or initiative, with a further €75k allocated to multiple smaller projects regionally.
Community projects
Applications are being sought for community projects across four key areas;
- Climate: Initiatives that support communities to develop climate action plans that minimise the impacts of climate change e.g. installation of solar panels, LED lighting, carbon literacy training.
- Biodiversity: Initiatives that will develop environmental projects to support all ecosystems within our local communities e.g. community garden, nature trails, native and pollinator friendly planting, pocket forest, marine environment and conservation projects
- Reducing waste: identifying solutions to reduce waste and support a circular economy e.g. waste programmes, repair cafes, upcycling, workshops and seminars.
- Health and wellbeing: educating local communities to promote healthy diets and make healthier food choices e.g. community cooking programme, nutrition workshops
“It’s great to see major retailers like Lidl really lead the way in embedding sustainable practices not only within their business but also in the communities which they serve,” said Fionnuala Jay, broadcaster and podcaster.
Jay noted that this is such a great opportunity for smaller community groups, charities or schools to get the financial boost they need to make their vision a reality and really transform their local area.
“Whether that’s a community group in Lahinch launching a local repair shop to give a new lease of life to old items, or a charity in Skibbereen hosting nutrition workshops for improved health or a school in Carrickmacross creating new pollinator friendly garden, Lidl’s Green Fund is there to support community goals, big or small.
“Having dedicated my career to working in this space, I’m calling on every eligible group to apply now and be in with a chance to make a real change in their community,” said Jay.
Lidl’s Green Fund
Lidl’s Green Fund, developed in partnership with Business in the Community Ireland, is part of the retailer’s overarching sustainability strategy and commitment to creating A Better Tomorrow, contributing positively to the communities in which they operate and being good stewards of the environment.
“As Ireland’s most sustainable retailer, we know we have a responsibility to educate and support our customers and the communities in which we operate to lead more sustainable lives,” said Elaine O’Connor, head of sustainability, Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland.
With a network of more than 180 stores in Ireland, Lidl wants to use its reach into local communities as a real force for good and the launch of the new Lidl Green Fund is the latest initiative designed to move it forward in the journey towards A Better Tomorrow.
Sustainability leaders
“With 2024 being the hottest year on record and global warming exceeding 1.5 degrees, concerted community action is critical,” said Tomás Sercovich, CEO, Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI).
As leaders in sustainability and social inclusion, BITCI worked with Lidl to design and develop the fund to ensure its accessibility by communities right across Ireland and, importantly, its impact.
Sercovich noted that with a total fund of €100,000 available and a share of €50,000 allocated to multiple project requests, this funding will be transformative for many groups who want to further embed sustainable action in their local area.
“I would encourage everyone to apply for a share of the fund and I look forward to helping shortlist applications and award winners across Ireland later this summer,” said Sercovich.
Applications
Applications to Lidl’s Green Fund are open to primary and secondary schools, charities and community groups across Ireland from 24 February to 24 March 2025
For more information, or to apply, please visit here.
Lidl Ireland employs more than 6,000 people across 181 stores, 3 regional distribution centres and Head Office in the Republic of Ireland and currently holds 13.7% market share according to Kantar.
Read more: Lidl Ireland to open new Moycullen store, creating 25 new jobs
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