Co-op Local Community Fund – Deadline on 11 June 2023

Organisation
Reading Voluntary Action (RVA)
Article date
10 May 2023
Primary interest
Voluntary sector
Co-op now opens applications for Local Community Fund

 

Co-op Group’s Local Community Fund has supported over 30,000 local community projects across the UK since its launch in 2016, and charities and organisations, that play a vital role in the well-being of communities, can now apply to be considered for the next round of funding.

The Group says its support comes at “a much-needed time”, with insight from community causes across the UK showing that 84% of local groups have seen a jump in demand for their services through the cost-of-living crisis.

What are the funder’s priorities?

You can apply if your project:

  • 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 to save and restore nature or tackle climate change.

Your project must also:

  • take place in the UK or the Isle of Man
  • take place or still be running after November 2024
Who is eligible to apply?

To apply, your group needs to be:

  • registered or based in the UK
  • have their own bank account
  • operating in your local community
  • not-for-profit
How much can you apply for?
  • The more Co-op members that support your project and shop with them, the more money you will receive.
  • In most areas, this is between £1,000 and £3,000 on average. You will get a minimum of £1,000 to support your project.
  • Every time one of the Co-op members shops in-store 1% of their spend is donated to their chosen charity. Charities will receive 2 payments throughout the year.
  • To estimate how much funding you could receive, enter the postcode where your project will happen.
How to apply?

You will need either:

  • your group’s charity or equivalent registration number depending on the type of group

or

  • a constitutional document that sets out your group’s rules and proves that you are not run for private profit

You’ll also need:

  • your group’s bank details – money from the fund cannot be paid into personal accounts
  • a bank statement for your group
  • a description of your project
  • 2 contact names, including email addresses
  • basic details of your group and what it does, including approximate annual income
  • a good quality photo showing your group in action – no logos

The application process is very simple by using the online Application Form.

Is there a deadline?
  • You must apply by midnight on 11 June 2023.
  • You will find whether your application has been successful or not by email in October 2023,
  • you will be part of the Local Community Fund for 12 months from 22 October 2023 to 19 October 2024,
  • you will receive funds in November 2024.
Further information and support: