Community groups and charities invited to apply for share of Co-op’s Local Community Fund  as applications open

17 June 2024

Applications are now open for local community groups and charities to apply for a share of £5m funding from Co-op’s Local Community Fund.

The fund has supported almost 40,000 unique community projects across the UK since its launch in 2016, with groups receiving more than £100m.

Co-op is now inviting local charities, community groups and voluntary organisations to apply for the latest round of funding.

This year, Co-op is looking to support projects that help create sustainable futures for ‘people’ and our ‘planet’. Groups can apply if they are looking to deliver local projects with a focus on:

• People: supporting young people to fulfil their potential; helping older residents feel connected or improving mental wellbeing

• Planet: tackling climate change, reducing waste and resource use, or protecting nature

Co-op is also keen to support projects that promote and celebrate diversity and inclusion.

Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Member Participation at Co-op said: “As a co-operative, our focus is to deliver increased value for our member-owners and their communities and we know that members really care about supporting local, grassroots projects. Through our Local Community Fund, we’re able to support local projects and initiatives that make a real difference to people and our planet in communities across the country.”

Successful causes will receive a minimum of £1,000. Wider-reaching benefits include 95% of causes saying that they felt more connected with their communities as a result of participating in Co-op's Local Community Fund.

Applications are open until Sunday, 7 July.

Community groups interested in applying can find out more by visiting: https://coop.co.uk/causes

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About Co-op:

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates almost 2,400 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 6,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited. Employing 56,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.

Further information:

Andrew Torr
Senior Press Officer, Co-op Press Office
M: 07702505551
E: andrew.torr@coop.co.uk / pressoffice@coop.co.uk