Scotmid are encouraging North Ayrshire non-profits to apply to be their charity partner for this financial year.

If a charity is chosen to partner with the company, they will receive donations via fundraisers held by Scotmid across the country and throughout the year.

To be eligible, charities must share Scotmid’s values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, solidarity and show a passion for helping their community.

Head of Membership & Community at Scotmid, Shirley MacGillivray, said: “The charity of the year partnership provides both a fantastic platform for us to support worthwhile causes and for our charity partner to have the extended support of our colleagues, members and customers.

“We are seeking an ambitious charity that will make the most of this incredible opportunity and can’t wait to begin working with the cause.”

Over a million pounds were raised between Scotmid’s past three charity partners - CHAS, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, and the Scottish SPCA.

The retailer is currently partnered with Guide Dogs who are making use of the donations given to them through Scotmid fundraisers to support guide dogs in training and recruit and train Habilitation Specialists and Guide Dog Mobility Specialists for young people.

Kyla McVicar, Business Development Manager at Guide Dogs, said: “We’d encourage charities to apply for this exciting opportunity to be Scotmid’s next charity partner.

“You’ll be joining forces with an incredible organisation who really care about making a massive difference in local communities.”

Charities should submit a maximum of six pages of A4 detailing their account management arrangements, showing evidence of charity operations in Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland, and illustrating how the fundraised money will be spent.

Applicants should also explain how they plan to engage with staff, propose merchandising sales, show how they would encourage people to fundraise, and explain why they feel they are a good fit with Scotmid.

Applications should be emailed to membership@scotmid.co.uk with ‘Charity of The Year Application’ in the subject title before 5pm on Friday April 14, 2023.

Charities can also email the above address to request access to a live Q&A at 11am on Wednesday March 29 hosted by Scotmid’s Charities Team.

More information on Scotmid’s application process and criteria can be found here: www.scotmid.coop/2023/03/charity-of-the-year-applications-2023-24-now-open.