Support for community groups as applications to Co-op local community fund now open

Applications have now opened for local community groups and charities to apply to receive funding and support from Co-op’s Local Community Fund.

Co-op’s Local Community Fund has supported more than 30,000 local community projects across the UK since its launch in 2016, and charities and organisations, who play a vital role in the wellbeing of communities, can apply up until 11 June to be considered for the next round of funding.

The Co-op's support comes at a much-needed time, with insight from more than 3,000 local community causes across the UK showing that more than eight-in-10 – 84 per cent – of local groups have seen a jump in demand for their services through the cost-of-living crisis.

Co-op is looking to continue to support projects that have an impact and make a difference locally and, align with Co-op’s vision of co-operating for a fairer world, with a focus on:

• Bringing people together to access food: Such as community fridges, allotments, and cookery classes;

• Helping to improve people’s mental wellbeing: Including sporting activities and, clubs and societies that promote mental well-being and build social connections;

• Creation of opportunities for young people to be heard and make a difference: For example, youth groups and forums that work to build confidence, employability and, life skills;

• Enabling communities to save and restore nature or tackle climate change: With examples including community gardens, tree planting, energy schemes, re-wilding, and sustainable transport.

Last month, Co-op also announced it was aiming to attract one million active new members over the next five years and launched new member price benefits within its food business to help its members save more.

Members also make a difference simply by shopping at Co-op.

By buying selected Co-op products and services, members earn rewards for themselves and for their community too – with £117m raised over the last seven years to support local causes and community projects across the UK.

Rebecca Birkbeck, Co-op community and member participation director, said: “Co-op is committed to making a real and tangible difference in our local communities, while creating significant value for members through our membership scheme.

“Our local community fund is more relevant than ever as the cost-of-living crisis is making it incredibly challenging for many local organisations.

“We know our members want to support the communities they live in, and Co-op membership is a powerful way for people to do this, simply by shopping at Co-op – with our funding support enabling local organisations to provide valuable services and support to people at a time when communities need it most.”

More information about the benefits of Co-op Membership including its exclusive offers and deals is available by visiting coop.co.uk/membership

Community groups interested in applying to Co-op’s Local Community Fund, should visit causes.coop.co.uk