Groundwork Merseyside latest to introduce annual fee
Environmental charity Groundwork Merseyside will next week launch a new £500-a-year membership scheme, called the 80-20 Foundation, described as a "platform where firms can engage positively in the field of responsible and innovative environmental business practice".
The name of the membership scheme refers to the 20% of the subscription fee that will go into Groundwork Merseyside's Community Investment Fund "to set up and improve community-led, environmental projects, to support social entrepreneurs, provide training and education to build skills, to improve job prospects and to assist people to live and work in a more responsible way".
The 80-20 Foundation membership package includes:
- Annual supply chain, process and operation audits
- Access to expert help lines and advice
- Training and development opportunities for staff and individuals
- Legal support
- Annual reports and reviews
- Investment into community-led initiatives
The foundation has already won the support of Jaguar Land Rover, Typhoo, home shopping channel QVC, and plastic recycling social enterprise Elixir Foundations. Phil Wolstencroft, manager of estate engineering at Jaguar Land Rover will address guests at Groundwork Merseyside's launch for the 80-20 Foundation on Thursday 20 October at Blackburne House, Hope Street.
Groundwork Merseyside is the latest charity or advisory organisation that previously won funding support from government and public sector agencies but has had to find new revenue sources after public spending was cut. Envirolink Northwest now also runs an annual membership scheme.
Tony Seasman, marketing manager of Groundwork Merseyside, said: "The 80-20 Foundation helps members to be successful both for their own interests and for their wider community. We are delighted that businesses such as Jaguar Land Rover, Typhoo, QVC and award winning Elixir Foundations, are supporting the launch."
