Community charities can now apply for Wales for 180 grants worth £2,000 each, awarded from money raised by supermarket giant Asda through its plastic bag levy.

In a statement released over the weekend, Asda confirmed that it will work with the Community Foundation in Wales in to make the money available in £2,000 grants to 180 local charities.

Applications are open to charities based in Wales and working with children and young people or the elderly, or in health or community cohesion. Applications opened on August 21 and will run through to September 30.

The Community Foundation in Wales will coordinate and advise on the awards, while regional selection panels of “Asda colleagues” which vote on which of the appellant charities are most “locally relevant”.

This initiative follows on from a similar partnership launched between Asda and two community foundations in Scotland earlier in the year. In January, Asda made £145,000 available via the Scottish carrier bag tax to Social Investment Scotland and Foundation Scotland.

Community Foundation in Wales’ chief executive Liza Kellett said: “The new Asda grants programme recognises the enormous value in supporting local people who are working and volunteering for community-based projects.

“It is a very special feature to have nominations and decisions made locally too, with customers, staff and local residents all getting involved in recognising the work of community treasures/treasures local charities and community projects”. 

Richard Mason, senior manager, community and corporate responsibility at Asda, said: “We want the carrier bag charge to have long-term social – as well as environmental – benefits. By working with Community Foundation in Wales we have the opportunity to invest innovatively in our local communities”.