Dannsairean Màiri, a Highland dancing group based in Daliburgh, South Uist has received an Under 18 Better Starts grant of £1130 from Asda’s charity, the Asda Foundation.

Under 18 Better Starts is an Asda Foundation grant for local groups, aimed at supporting a broad range of activities for children under the age of 18 which contribute towards transforming communities and improving children’s lives, as well as funding to strengthen their volunteering.

With the help of the Asda Govan store, Dannsairean Màiri has been awarded this grant to further its support of young people – with highland dancing classes providing valuable opportunity for socialising and exercise to dancers of all ages from the local area.

Chairperson at Dannsairean Màiri, Anne MacLean, said: “We were so thankful to receive a grant from the Asda Foundation! This money helped to fund our first ever Highland dancing competition from April 19-21, bringing together 106 dancers from across the local community to participate in the festivities.

“We were delighted to launch our inaugural event on the Isle of Benbecula to provide competition accessibility to more dancers, as we know travelling to the mainland to compete can be costly. Without the Asda Foundation funding, it is unlikely that this first of its kind event would have taken place, as the fund helped to pay for tuition and hall fees, as well as adjudicators for the competition. I would like to thank everyone who came along and supported our competition - dancers, teachers, parents, families, the list goes on!”

Groups in Scotland are invited to apply for the Asda Foundation’s second round of grants, which is live until Friday, May 24. Over £500k is available for groups to apply for activities throughout the summer period, from holiday clubs and community clean ups to foodbank supplies and breakfast clubs, there is wide range of support available.

Asda Foundation communication and impact advisor, Martin Kendal, said: “We’re delighted that Dannsairean Màiri has benefitted from this grant in such a positive way, and the Asda Foundation is proud to open its second round of grants, where £500k is available for local grassroots groups across the UK. The grants can range between £400 and £2000 and will need to be supported by a Community Champion at your local Asda store. In 2023, Asda Foundation grants supported 277 groups in Scotland with funding totalling £222,901.

“Supporting grassroot groups that are local to Asda stores is so important to the Asda Foundation – and we hope it will make a real difference to groups across the country.

From volunteering support to helping purchase new equipment, if you are part of a group that could benefit from a Grassroots Grant, reach out to your local Community Champion.”

Groups in Scotland are invited to apply for the second grant round which is live from now until Friday, May 24. The applications must fit in with one of the following criteria:

  1. Empowering Local Communities Grant - for local groups aimed at supporting a broad range of activities which contribute towards transforming communities and improving lives, as well as funding to strengthen their volunteering.
  2. Under 18 Better Starts Grant - for local groups aimed at supporting a broad range of activities for children under the age of 18 which contribute towards transforming communities and improving children’s lives, as well as funding to strengthen their volunteering.
  3. Cost of Living Grant - for local groups aimed at supporting the increased running costs groups are facing as a result of the crisis. This grant aims to support groups with rent, utility, and essential costs, as well as funding to strengthen their volunteering.

Asda Foundation’s goal is to build resilient communities by empowering local groups to make a positive difference, addressing local challenges and social needs. The charity aims to achieve this by providing funding to local grassroots community groups, enabling them to meet the diverse needs of their community and to help them thrive and grow.

All grant applications need to have the endorsement of an Asda Community Champion, who work out of Asda’s stores across Scotland. Community Champions have limited grants budget per store and may not always be able to support an application for funding, but they will be able to discuss other support available.

Groups may apply for one Grassroots Grant per year and there are three different grant rounds taking place in 2024. Round 2 applications may be submitted to the Asda Foundation before May 24, 2024, and activities must begin within six months of the application window closing date (by November 24, 2024). All application guidance and criteria can be found online at www.asdafoundation.org