The Co-operative members make a difference in millions of ways
The Community Fund is our grants scheme that helps local communities throughout the UK.
Since we started the initiative in 1997, thousands of clubs, community groups and self-help organisations have benefited.
The way the scheme works is by committed members of The Co-operative Group who want to help improve the lives of others, donate part or all of their share of the profits. These members have already raised millions of pounds each year for all kinds of community projects.
Over the past 10 years our members have donated more than £8 million to The Co-operative Community Fund, allowing hundreds of local groups, projects, community groups, self-help organisations and charities nationwide to benefit.
In 2008 alone we gave away around £1.2 million in donations to 1,515 groups across the UK – here’s where it came from:
| The Co-operative Membership region |
number of groups |
amount donated |
| Central and Eastern region |
160 groups |
£197,037 |
| North region |
367 groups |
£228,724 |
| North West & North Midlands region |
139 groups |
£108,241 |
| Scotland & Northern Ireland region |
311 groups |
£255,256 |
| South East region |
163 groups |
£204,226 |
| South & West region |
265 groups |
£219,171 |
| Cymru / Wales region |
120 groups |
£70,292 |
If you are a member and would like to donate something to local community groups, please login to your profit account at www.co-operativemembership.coop with your membership number, and visit the Manage your profit account page where you can contribute as little or as much as you want from your share of the profits. 
How community groups who benefited in 2008 have used their awards
All Creatures Great and Small
Located in the Welsh Town Torfaen, the group provides a sanctuary for abandoned and abused animals, and helps find them new homes. The group helps more than 600 animals per year. They received £1,000 from The Community Fund to build a goat house, as the previous one had damp which was causing foot rot problems for the goats.
Concorde Wheelchairs Dancers
The Concorde Wheelchair Dancers is a Bristol dance team with members representing all ages and disabilities. The Co-operative Membership Community Fund awarded the group a grant of £500, enabling members to take part in a national competition in Blackpool.
Thomas Tallis Rugby Club
The Thomas Tallis Rugby Club is an after-school club based in south-east London. The club provides various types of activities for pupils including training and rugby practice. The club received £500 award to purchase Fairtrade rugby balls.
Community Fund reports
Two of our regions have produced booklets highlighting the successful groups in 2008. Take a look at the reports by clicking on the links below and select open or save:
Central & Eastern Community Fund report 2008 - PDF [2MB] South East Community Fund report 2008 - PDF [1MB]
Community groups who received donations from previous years
how to apply
If you have any other questions about the Community Fund email us at
community.fund@co-operative.coop or read our
frequently asked questions to find out more.
Not yet a member? Join now for instant access to the exclusive members' site, or phone 0845 601 0160 to make a donation.
The Co-operative Community Fund is a trading name of Co-operative Community Investment Foundation (CCIF), registered charity number 1093028, England & Wales.
Downloading PDF files
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