Co-op Local Community Fund Opens for Applications

Funding for projects which benefit local communities centred around Co-op food stores and funeral homes across the UK and Isle of Man.

This is an annual fund which opens for applications once a year. The funding aims to help communities to come together, co-operate and make a difference.

This year’s funding is for projects that:

·       Enable people to access food and co-operate together to feed everyone.

·       Help improve people’s mental wellbeing.

·       Offer young people opportunities to develop new skills and make a difference in their community

The money can be used to pay staff salaries or the project’s running costs. For example, payment to a professional to give local children mental health awareness training.

New this year: When projects (also known as Co-op causes) apply to the Local Community Fund, they will also be able to benefit from Co-operate, the online community centre. They will be able to come together, gain help and support from like-minded people and causes regardless of whether their Local Community Fund application is successful.

Applications will be accepted from a wide range of locally based not-for-profit groups and organisations.

Projects must take place in the UK or Isle of Man, benefit the local community and take place or still be running after November 2022.

There is no set minimum or maximum grants.

Once the deadline has passed and all the applications are reviewed, Co-op will select up to three projects to support in each community over the next giving period (usually 12 months, but it can vary). The projects will be displayed in store and online so Co-op members can choose which project they want to support in their community.

The deadline for applications is 30 May 2021 (midnight).