Community groups invited to apply to Co-op's Local Community Fund as applications open

01 June 2026

• Applications now open for Co-op’s Local Community Fund, with local charities and community groups invited to apply for share of £3.5 Million fund
• Co-op has a presence in every UK postal area, and its Local Community Fund has helped 40,000 local causes make a difference in towns, villages and cities across the country since the fund began
• Applications are open until 24 June 2026

Applications are now open for the next round of Co-op’s Local Community Fund, with local charities and community groups invited to apply for a share of the £3.5 Million fund to make a difference in communities in towns, villages and cities across the UK.

With a presence in every postal area, Co-op is looking to support local projects in its communities with a focus on enabling communities to access food; improving mental wellbeing; creating opportunities for young people; promoting community cohesion and, building sustainable futures.

Thanks to Co-op Members, Co-op’s Local Community Fund has supported 40,000 causes across the UK since 2016.

David Luckin, Head of Social Value and Community Engagement, Co-op, said: “Beginning the search for new local causes to take part in a fresh round of funding is always exciting, our members have told us that they want Co-op to focus on the real issues affecting people’s lives. Co-operation and, people working together can be very powerful, and our funding enables local causes to deliver projects that focus on issues that matter most locally. We know that things can be increasingly challenging for communities and through this funding we can help to make a real difference – helping people and communities thrive."

Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, with its history dating back 180 years. Its more than 7m members own the business and play an intrinsic part in its governance with a say in how the organisation is run. Co-op exists to create value for its membership and communities, and Co-op members can view current local causes via the Co-op membership app - to find out more about becoming a Co-op member, visit coop.co.uk/membership

Applications are open until 24 June 2026.

For more information, and to apply, visit causes.coop.co.uk

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About Co-op:

Co-op Group is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives, operating across food retail, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by around 7.2 million active member-owners, Co-op exists to meet their needs and champion the causes they care about. With more than 2,300 food stores, 800 funeral homes and a wholesale business supplying around 8,000 additional outlets, Co-op employs 53,000 colleagues and generates annual revenues of over £11 billion. It is a recognised leader in ethical business and community-led programmes, creating long-term value for members and communities across the UK.

For journalist/press enquiries, please contact:

Andrew Torr
Lead Press Officer | Co-op Group
M – 07702505551
E - andrew.torr@coop.co.uk