Grants are available for small, locally based voluntary and community groups to support projects which benefit local communities around Co-op food stores and funeral homes across the UK or the Isle of Man.
Fund Information
- Funding body:
- Co-operative Group
- Maximum value:
- Discretionary
- Application deadline:
- 30/05/2021
Background
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, 2p for every pound spent goes to the member and the same amount is also given to support community organisations and local causes.
Objectives of Fund
The funding aims to help communities to come together, co-operate and have a positive impact on community wellbeing – physically and virtually.
Grants are determined by Co-op community members who vote on the project they wish to support in their local community.
The more members that select a project and shop with Co-op, the more funding the project will receive. Applicants are encouraged to promote their project online, on social media and in their community.
Funding in 2021 aims to support projects that help people access food, improve mental wellbeing or provide opportunities for young people.
Value Notes
No minimum or maximum amount of funding is specified.
Most communities get £4,000 to £6,000 to share between three causes.
The funding period will begin on 24 October 2021.
Who Can Apply
Applications will be accepted from:
- UK registered charities.
- Scout, Guide or Woodcraft folk groups.
- Registered community amateur sports clubs (CASCs).
- Churches or chapels that are ‘excepted’ charities.
- Co-operative societies.
- Credit unions.
- Community benefit societies.
- Community interest companies.
- Any other organisation that can prove they are not run for profit.
To be eligible, groups or activities must:
- Make good things happen in their area.
- Be not-for-profit (unless they are helping people stay connected during coronavirus/Covid-19).
- Be locally run.
- Follow government guidelines on social distancing.
Priority will be given to organisations with an income of less than £1 million a year.
Restrictions
Funding is not available for the following:
- Projects that support individuals or overseas projects.
- Projects that promote any political activities or causes.
- Projects that promote any religious beliefs. (Consideration will be given to projects led by religious organisations that are for the benefit of the whole community.)
- Only pay for salaries or other running costs of an organisation.
- Funding that will be given to other people or organisations.
- Projects that are the responsibility of a local authority.
- Donations to other organisations.
- Projects that could harm the reputation of Co-op.
Eligible Expenditure
Funding is available for projects which benefit local communities centred around Co-op food stores and funeral homes.
The 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.
Projects must:
- Take place in the UK or Isle of Man
- Not have religious or political aims (although religious groups can apply)
- Meet the Co-op’s values
- Take place or will still be running after November 2022.
- Benefit their local community.
Co-operatives values are: self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. (In the tradition of their founders, Co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.)
Location
UK or Isle of Man
How To Apply
Applications will be accepted from 4 May 2021 to 30 May 2021 (midnight).
The terms and conditions as well as the online application form are available on the Co-op’s website when the scheme is open.
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.
Useful documents & links
Useful Links
Addresses and contacts
For further information on how to obtain this grant locally, please contact the following:
- Local Community Team
Co-operative Group
1 Angel Square
Manchester
M60 0AG
Tel: 0800 023 4708
Email: [email protected]