From summer 2023, UK schools will be able to apply for a grant of up to £1,500 from Tesco to help give their pupils a healthier, more active, stronger start in life. The new fund will replace the existing Tesco Community Grants programme and expects to support 5,300 schools in its first year through grants for nutritious food and sports play activities or outdoor equipment. Schools will be able to apply for grants via Groundwork UK. Successful applications will then go to a vote in their local Tesco store, with customers being able to choose which of the projects they would like to support.
Graham Duxbury, the UK Chief Executive of Groundwork, said:
“We know that schools are now doing everything they can to help families cope with the rising cost of living, but that school budgets are also under huge pressure. We’re really pleased that through the Tesco programme, we can now focus attention on helping schools provide extra support to those who need it most.”
The initiative will also be boosted by Tesco’s ‘Golden Grants’ events. In 2023/24, the company expects to give out 200 x £5,000 ‘Golden Grants’ to schools and community projects.