LOCAL community groups and charities are invited to apply to receive funding and support from Co-op’s Local Community Fund, with applications open up until 11 June 2023 for organisations to be considered for the next round of funding.
 

Co-op’s Local Community Fund has supported over 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 2023 to be considered for the next round of funding.
 

The Co-op's support comes at a much-needed time, with insight from over 3,000 local community causes across the UK showing that more than 8-in-10 (84%) 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

• Emabling 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, (April 2023) Co-op also announced that it was aiming to attract 1 million active new Members over the next 5 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, Director of Community and Member Participation at Co-op 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 that 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:- https://www.coop.co.uk/membership
 

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