Community groups in towns, cities and villages across the UK are this week celebrating sharing a £5m funding boost from Co-op’s Local Community Fund, thanks to Co-op members.
Co-op is committed to making a difference in the communities it serves and is providing a funding boost to 2,500 local causes across the UK.
With a store in every UK postal area, Co-op members have a say how the £5m is shared between local causes, simply by choosing a community group close to their hearts via Co-op’s Membership App. Nearly 40,000 unique projects have been supported in communities across the UK since the fund began in 2016.
The focus of the Local Community Fund is on enabling communities to thrive, supporting local groups and causes to make a difference locally through their work to: provide access to food; improve mental wellbeing; create opportunities for young people; promote community cohesion and, build more sustainable futures.
David Luckin, head of social value & community engagement, Co-op, said: “Our local causes are making a huge difference in communities across the UK. As a co-operative, our members have a say in where and how our profits are shared, and our funding enables local causes to deliver projects that focus on the issues affecting people’s lives. We know that things are increasingly challenging for local causes, and our funding can make a real difference – helping people and communities thrive.”
Around 9.5m people (almost one in seven of the UK population) have benefitted directly from Co-op’s Local Community Fund since the fund started in 2016, with nearly 40,000 unique projects supported during the period. The benefits to community groups also extend beyond the funding support, with more than nine-in-10 causes (94%) saying that they felt more connected with their community as a result of participating in Co-op’s Local Community Fund.
Co-op Members also have the chance to win upto £1,000 for themselves and £10,000 for their chosen Local Community Fund cause as part of Co-op’s Member Prizes in November via the Co-op app*
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives, with its history dating back more than 180 years. Co-op exists to create value for its membership and communities, and members can view current local causes and choose a community project close to their own heart via the Co-op membership app.
