Schools, charities and community groups from across Northern Ireland were invited to apply, with one project selected from each county and each receiving up to £4,200 in funding.
The six winning projects reflect a wide range of community-led sustainability initiatives, which aim to tackle key environmental challenges and deliver long-term benefits for local communities.
Applicants from across Northern Ireland submitted a wide range of proposals, from energy-saving upgrades like solar panels and LED lighting, to waste-reduction initiatives such as repair cafes and upcycling workshops. Other projects focused on community-led education and engagement, including nutrition programmes, cooking classes and carbon literacy training.
Lidl Northern Ireland reported a strong theme, with a significant number of biodiversity and conservation projects submitting applications for funding to promote pollinator-friendly planting, community gardens, and nature trails.
The winning projects, which will share the prize pot of £25,000, collectively aim to enhance local environments, promote wellbeing, encourage biodiversity and support more sustainable lifestyles.
Across the region, the successful projects are:
Tyrone - St. Mary's Primary School: Polytunnel
Armagh - Maralin Village Primary School: Outdoor Sensory Garden
Antrim - Ashton Community Trust: Community Garden
Derry~Londonderry - St Patrick's & St Joseph's Primary School: Biodiversity Trail
Down - Newcastle Harbour Heritage Association: Repair Café
Fermanagh - Lisnaskea Emmetts GAC: Nature Walk Trail
Each project is expected to be developed in 2026 and will support education, environmental awareness, wellbeing and community connection, while helping to create more sustainable shared spaces across Northern Ireland.
Elaine O’Connor, Head of Sustainability at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, commented: “The Lidl Green Fund was launched to support sustainable, local projects that aim to tackle key environmental challenges across climate and biodiversity, circular economy and sustainable living, for the benefit of towns and villages throughout Northern Ireland.
"As a responsible retailer, and leader in sustainability, we have a responsibility to educate and support our customers and the communities in which we operate to lead more sustainable lives. We are excited to see how each of our winners across Northern Ireland use the funding to create a greener future.”
The Lidl Northern Ireland Green Fund will reopen for applications in Spring 2026, with the aim to support more sustainability projects across the region. Named Sustainable Retail Business of the Year at the 2024 Business Eye Awards, Lidl Northern Ireland continues to demonstrate its commitment to environmental responsibility and community engagement through initiatives such as the Green Fund.
For more information on the Lidl Northern Ireland Green Fund, or to apply for future funding, visit lidl-ni.co.uk/greenfund.
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St Joseph’s Primary School pupils, Eanna; Peadar; Jo; Kate; Daithi and Aoife Photo: freelance
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Aine Murphy, Secretary, Lisnaskea Emmetts GAC and Paul Goodwin, Groundsman, Lisnaskea Emmetts GAC. Photo: John McVitty 07771987378 -