The Asda Foundation supports small, grassroots community groups and is currently offering grants of between £500 and £3000 to help transform and improve community spaces.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for Environment and Green Economy, is encouraging residents and groups to apply to the fund.

Since 2012, the Foundation - which is led by a board of trustees and works independently of the stores - has invested £50m in communities across the UK.

Suggested projects that are suitable for this round of £500,000 worth of funding include:

• transforming an outdoor area into a greener and more engaging community space
• creating or enhancing community growing projects, like allotments, and
• organising community clean-ups in a neighbourhood, park or beach

Cllr Gurney said: “There is lots of great work being done in our communities, with creative ideas that help improve outdoor areas and the local environment for everyone. Sometimes a small amount of money is all people need to get a new idea up and running or improve an existing project. I would encourage anyone who is leading a local group or project - for example, a growing project or litter clean-up initiative - to apply for this fund.”

This is the first in a series of grants that the Asda Foundation will deliver in 2025, with more than £3m of funding available for grassroots community groups.

Karl Doyle, chair of the Asda Foundation, added: “Over the last year, our research has consistently told us that local communities are seeking better access to safe and accessible public spaces.

“We know that being outdoors has a positive impact on health and well-being, and that bringing people together to be part of a group and community makes a significant difference to people’s lives.

“This grant provides funding support for groups to do just this, and we hope it will also help build community connections and help grow pride in communities across the UK.”

Go online here to find out more or apply for funding.