Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity has launched its 8th round of the Heart of the Community initiative. This round aims to brighten the futures of children by providing funding for back-to-school uniforms and summer activities.

With a pot of £50,000 available, The Heart of the Community will award donations of up to £500 each to local causes supporting children with back-to-school uniforms and enriching summer experiences like holiday clubs, fetes, and community trips.

Local schools and good causes can apply for funding by visiting their local Nisa independent retailer. Applications will be open between Wednesday, 8 May 2024, to Tuesday, 18 June 2024.

Kate Carroll, Head of Charity at Nisa, said: “We understand the financial strain back-to-school can place on families, and the importance of providing children with engaging summer activities to keep them active and entertained.

“Through this latest round of Heart of the Community Awards, we hope to ease these burdens for many families and ensure all children have the opportunity to thrive.

“Our local retailers are at the heart of their communities, and they understand the needs of the people they serve. We encourage them to work with local good causes to ensure as many children as possible benefit from this initiative.”

Over the past seven rounds of Heart of the Community, MADL has donated over £700,000 to more than 500 worthy causes. In the last round of funding, there were 52 winners of MADL’s food pantry support giveaway.

Making a Difference Locally is part of Nisa’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves. Since its inception, the initiative has donated over £17 million to local charities and community organisations.

MADL raises funds in Nisa partner stores from sales of all Co-op and Heritage own-label products, with a percentage going into a virtual fund for retailers to donate. Additional funds can also be raised via in-store collecting tins and clothing banks.