IRELAND’S MOST SUSTAINABLE RETAILER LIDL LAUNCHES NEW €100K GREEN FUND TO AWARD SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY PROJECTS NATIONWIDE

Sustainability advocate and influencer Fionnuala Jay calls on schools, charities and community groups to apply for share of prize pot

Ireland’s most sustainable supermarket retailer Lidl today 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.

Applications are being sought for community projects across four key areas;

1.        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.

2.       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

3.       Reducing Waste: identifying solutions to reduce waste and support a circular economy e.g. waste programmes, repair cafes, upcycling, workshops and seminars.

4.      Health and Wellbeing: educating local communities to promote healthy diets and make healthier food choices e.g. community cooking programme, nutrition workshops

Speaking at the launch, broadcaster, podcaster and advocate for sustainability,  Fionnuala Jay said:

“I’m delighted to support the launch of Lidl’s Green Fund. 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. 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.”

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.

Elaine O’Connor, Head of Sustainability at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland said:

“At Lidl, we continue to set ambitious goals and take tangible actions to mitigate challenges and protect our planet for future generations, because it’s the right thing to do.  Together, small steps can add up to a better, more sustainable tomorrow for us all. 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. With a network of over 180 stores in Ireland, we want to use our reach into local communities as a real force for good and the launch of the new Lidl Green Fund is our latest initiative designed to move us forward in the journey towards A Better Tomorrow.”

Tomás Sercovich, CEO at Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) said:

“With 2024 being the hottest year on record and global warming exceeding 1.5 degrees, concerted community action is critical. We are thrilled to partner with Lidl Ireland to launch its new Green Fund initiative. As leaders in sustainability and social inclusion, we worked with Lidl to design and develop the fund to ensure its accessibility by communities right across Ireland and, importantly, its impact. With a total fund of €100,000 available and a share of €25,000 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.”

Applications to Lidl’s Green Fund are open to primary and secondary schools, charities and community groups across Ireland from 24^th February to 24^th March 2025

For more information, or to apply, please visit; greenfund.abettertomorrow-lidl.ie

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.

--ENDS--

Contact: For further information, interviews or imagery, please contact lidl@harrispr.ie.

Visuals Assets: Images are available to download here.

Notes to Editors

Applying to the Green Fund

·         Applications are now invited from local community groups, not for profit organisations, primary and secondary schools across the Republic of Ireland

·         Winning projects must be delivered between June – September 2025.

·          for projects to be delivered from June – September 2025.

·         Applicants must provide a summary of the project or activity they are applying for funding towards, along with a breakdown of their proposed budget and costs for the project and the intended impact.

·         Applicants will be shortlisted after the closing date, with selected projects put to public vote via the Lidl Plus app for the chance of being shortlisted for the Lidl Plus in-store voting.

Voting

·         Applicants will be shortlisted after the closing date, with successful projects put forward to public vote via the Lidl Plus app.

·         When a customer spends a minimum of €40 at point of sale, customers who scan their Lidl Plus card will have the opportunity to vote for the community initiative of their choice to win a share of the prize fund.

·         Winners will be notified in May 2025.

Further information is available here: greenfund.abettertomorrow-lidl.ie

About Lidl Ireland

Lidl Ireland was named the Most Sustainable Retailer and 3rd Most Sustainable Organisation in the Ireland RepTrak® Sustainability Index 2024, its highest placing since the study began in 2011, measured by tracking perceptions of more than 5,000 members of the public.

Lid Ireland was named the Most Reputable Retailer and 2nd Most Reputable Organisation in the Ireland RepTrak® 2024 study of 100 organisations, its highest ranking since the study began in 2000.

About Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI)

Established in 2000, Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) are leaders in sustainability and social inclusion. Our mission is to inspire, challenge and facilitate businesses to bring about a sustainable, low carbon economy and more inclusive society where everyone thrives.