Can you apply for the Co-Op Local Community Fund?

The Co-op Local Community Fund is now open for applications, so if you are working with a local charity or not for profit group then read on! The Co-op started the fund in 2016, it has since nationally supported over 30,000 projects, donating £85m to local causes. All applications must be submitted by 29 May 2022.

The fund is designed to support local projects that are looking to deliver a project that either;

• Brings people together to access food
• Helps improve people’s mental wellbeing
• Creates opportunities for young people to be heard and make a difference
• Helps people protect local biodiversity or tackle climate change by reducing carbon emissions

How to apply for the Co-op Local Community Fund

To apply for the Co-op Local Community Fund, visit https://causes.coop.co.uk. Applications must be from a not for profit group, which has set out to deliver a project to benefit your local community. The project must take place in the United Kingdon or the Isle of Man for no religious or political aim. This however does not exclude religious organisations from applying. If successful you will find out in October 2022 resulting in 12 months of participation in the community fund.

Amount of funding available

The way the fund works is all Co-Op members can nominate their local charity via the website or mobile app. The more Co-op members that support your project and shop with the Co-op, the more money you’ll receive. In most areas, this is between £1,000 and £3,000 on average, however, the Co-op will commit that you’ll get a minimum of £1,000 to support your project.

Become a Co-op member and support a local cause today

Please download the App https://www.coop.co.uk/coop-app to your phone, log in and manage your account. Choose “membership” to select which local cause you wish to support. If you do not have a mobile phone, visit https://membership.coop.co.uk and navigate to “Choose a local cause”. There are many local projects to choose from, including the following in Ash that you can support today;

Holly Lodge School Association (HLSA)

“We would like to continue our project to teach food-growing skills for life to the children of Holly Lodge School.”
https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/57725

The Chapel Project

“We plan to help local people to enjoy good food by teaching them how to grow and cook food, hosting the local food parcels project and providing picnics and play in the holidays.”
https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/63269

Tongham & Ash Scout Group

“We want to put new disabled toilets and showers into our Scout HQ to ensure it is accessible to all our Scouts and Volunteers.”
https://membership.coop.co.uk/causes/57042

How to become a member

It costs nothing to become a member;

• Join online by visiting the https://membership.coop.co.uk website
• Join via the Co-op Mobile App
• Visit in-store and ask for a  paper form