Co-op Local Community Fund
Following The Clare Foundation’s successful Buckinghamshire Grant Funding Conference on 28 April and feedback from our attendees that more content on grants would be appreciated; we are keen to share the details of funding opportunities that are available to charities and community groups across Bucks.
Helen Mee, our Head of Charity Operations, recently had the opportunity to meet with Fareba Jones a Co-op Member Pioneer in the Aylesbury Vale to learn more about the Co-Op Local Community Fund.
Fabrera, please could you tell us what the Co-Op Local Community Fund is?
One of the many ways in which Co-op supports and enables communities is through the Local Community Fund. The Fund supports a wide range of projects, activities, communities, groups and charities in areas where Co-op stores and Funeralcare are based, with up to 3 Causes in each community. Co-op Members are an integral part of this support because every time Members buy branded products and services, 1% of their spend is added to their membership account which can go towards a Cause of their choice.
Are there particular types of projects, causes or themes that Co-op are looking to support?
The Local Community Fund supports community projects that will:
– 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
How do local charities go about registering their interest and applying for funding?
Local groups can find out more and apply at coop.co.uk/causes. One requirement for the application is to register the local cause/group on Co-operate. This is an online platform which catalogues the range of services and support activities provided by community organisations in each of our communities across the UK. Anyone looking for information about what is going on to their own community can use Co-operate and those organisations that are registered on the platform can promote their services and activities on the site. Our mission is to help people make good things happen in communities and our online community resource helps us to do this and encourages people to make a difference where they live.
Do charities need to talk to a Co-op Member Pioneer, like yourself, before making an application?
It is not necessary for applicants to talk to a Co-op Member Pioneer before applying for the fund. However, if the causes have any questions, they can contact me via email/phone/FB Messenger.
Mobile No. 07929 874 144
Email: fareba.jones@coop.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fareba.jones.1
When is the closing date for applications for this current round?
30th May 2021
Please tell us more about your role as a Co-op Member Pioneer and how we can find out more?
The role of a Member Pioneer is to be a Communicator, Catalyst and Connector with the aim of making communities a better place to work, play, live and learn by strengthening links with groups, organisations and charities providing vital support and services to their communities. To find out more go to Member Pioneers.
