Community Connect is an initiative which enables Scotmid members living in the Lakes & Dales to decide how funding will be distributed in their Communities. Applications are currently closed but will re-open in early 2024.
Community Connect is simple: Three Good Cause Groups one from each of the three geographic areas covering the Lakes and Dales trading area (Cumbria, Weardale and Northumberland) will receive a financial award of up to £5,000 following a vote by Scotmid members. The two runner-up groups will each receive £2,000.
To be kept up to date with the latest funding news please contact membership@scotmid.co.uk to be added to our mailing list.
Scotmid members living in the Lakes and Dales area collect one Community Connect vote every time they shop in store. They then use their votes to determine the size of the award that each Good Cause Group receives.
To help members make their decision the three Good Cause Groups attend Member Community Information Meeting and present their idea to members. The group with the most votes receives £5,000 and the two runner-ups are awarded £2,000.
Which Community Groups can apply?
We welcome applications from Good Cause groups covering the Lakes and Dales trading area, you don’t need to be a registered charity. In particular we welcome applications covering the following areas:
Frosterley
Keswick
Lazonby
Seaton Delaval
Shap
Stanhope
St Johns Chapel
Applicants must be:
- An established Good Cause Group or Charity or part of a new group who have an idea which will enhance your local community
- Have a clear project or idea on how the funds will be spent
We’re looking for applications that:
- Benefit the local community centered around a Lakes and Dales store
- Have the greatest possible benefit to their community
- Are scheduled to be completed within 24 months of the award date
The full terms and conditions for Groups thinking of applying.
How do Community Groups apply?
Community Connect has two award cycles every year. Three groups will be chosen twice a year for awards in April and September. Applications are now closed but will re-open in early 2024.
Who decides which groups get awarded?
All applications that meet the criteria will be considered by a panel of Members and Lakes and Dales staff. Up to six long listed groups will then be invited to attend a short meeting to discuss their application in a little more detail.
Following this meeting Three Good Cause Groups will be shortlisted by the panel – one group from each of the geographical areas served by our Lakes and Dales stores (Cumbria Weardale and Northumberland). The final amount awarded to each shortlisted group will be decided by Scotmid members living in the Lakes and Dales area.
You can encourage anyone connected with your group to become a Scotmid member and begin collecting votes.
What are my responsibilities if I am shortlisted?
The full list of responsibilities can be found in our Terms and Conditions.
Where can I get more information?
Our Frequently Asked Questions section below will give you more information.
You can also contact the Membership team on:
Email: membership@scotmid.co.uk
Phone: 0131 335 4433
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who decides on the shortlist?
A panel consisting of Scotmid members living in the Lakes and Dales area and Lakes and Dales employees will make the decision.
Do I have to be a member of Scotmid to apply for Community Connect?
No, however only members can collect and use votes.
When will I find out if my application has been shortlisted?
If your group is one of the 6 long listed groups you will be invited to attend a brief, informal meeting to discuss your application.
The final three shortlisted groups will be announced shortly after this meeting.