The Co-op Local Community Fund supports projects across the UK that Co-op members care about.
Every time members buy selected Co-op branded products and services, a small portion of every pound spent goes to the member and the same amount is also given to support community organisations and local causes.
Successful groups will receive a minimum of £1,000 to support their projects.
Applications will be accepted from the following types of organisations:
- A church or chapel that is an excepted charity.
- Charity registered in the UK or Isle of Man.
- Community Benefit Society (CBS).
- Community Interest Company (CIC).
- Co-operative Society.
- Credit Union.
- Social Enterprise.
- Scouts, Guides or Woodcraft Folk groups.
- Any other group that can prove they are not-for-profit.
Organisations must have their own bank account to be eligible for funding.
Funding is available for projects which benefit local communities centred around Co-op food stores and funeral homes.
The funding is for projects that supports this year’s themes of:
- People – project should enable people to play a part in their community’s future by:
- Supporting young people to fulfil their potential.
- Helping older people feel connected
- Improving people’s mental wellbeing
- Planet – projects that help to protect the planet by:
- Tackling climate change
- Reducing waste and resource use
- Protecting nature
The funder is keen to support projects across both themes that promote and celebrate diversity and inclusion.
Projects need to take place in the UK or Isle of Man and take place or still be running after November 2025.
The 2024 application window opens on 10 June 2024 and closes at midnight on 7 July 2024.
Applications will be assessed over the summer and notification of decisions will be emailed to applicants in October 2024.
Successful applicants will be part of the Local Community Fund for 12 months from 20 October 2024 to 18 October 2025 and their local cause will receive funds in November 2025.
