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Nisa launches tenth round of Heart of the Community Awards offering winter support

Nisa launches tenth round of Heart of the Community Awards offering winter support

Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity has launched its tenth round of the Heart of the Community Awards, offering crucial support to local causes during the challenging winter months.

Through this initiative, Nisa retailers can apply for up to £1,000 in funding for each of 50 selected causes, helping communities across the UK stay warm, safe, and supported as colder weather sets in.


The Heart of the Community Awards have already donated over £1 million to good causes since their inception. This winter, the funding will focus on essential services, such as homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and warm hubs, providing vital relief to those most affected by the harsh winter conditions.

Nisa retailers have until 29 October to apply for this funding.

“We are incredibly proud of the continued success of the Heart of the Community Awards. As we look towards the end of the year, we’re focusing on helping those most vulnerable during the winter season,” Kate Carroll, Nisa’s head of charity, said.

“Local causes such as homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and warm hubs are essential lifelines for people struggling to make ends meet. By offering up to £1,000 to 50 different projects, we hope to provide real, meaningful support to those who need it the most.

“I encourage all Nisa retailers to get involved and apply for this funding, so together we can make a real difference this winter.”

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Holyrood can boost growth through small retail in Budget – SGF

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The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF), the Trade Association for the Scottish Convenience sector, said that small retailers are desperate to invest in their businesses, and take advantage of new technologies and sustainable practices, but many stores are now struggling to stay viable.

SGF has called on the Scottish Finance Secretary to ensure that 40% reliefs on Non-Domestic Rates announced for retail businesses south of the border are passed on to Scottish stores. Alongside the extra reliefs, SGF say that the Scottish Government should focus on growth by ringfencing funding through the Small Business Bonus Scheme and freezing poundage for the foreseeable future.

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