The Co-op Group is on the lookout for more good causes to support through its Local Community Fund.
In September, the Group launched a new membership proposition, which sees members receive a 5% reward for any purchases they make of Co-op own-brand products and services, with a further 1% given to local causes.
The first round of causes, chosen by local Co-op Group colleagues, raised £900,000 for over 4,000 local causes across 1,500 communities. Now local groups and charities are being invited to apply for the next round of funding, which will run from March to September 2017.
“Co-ops exist to support their members and the communities where they live,” said Nick Crofts, president of the Group’s National Members’ Council. “I know the money raised will provide much-needed funding for organisations that contribute so much to improving local life.
“The new scheme is proving extremely popular with our five million members and so we’re confident that it will generate thousands for the local charities and good causes chosen. I would encourage Co-op members to spread the word to causes close to their hearts.”
The funding for each cause will be kick-started with a share of the money generated from sales of 5p carrier bags in local stores, plus the profits from the Group’s range of reusable bags.
Projects will be chosen on the basis that they benefit the local community centred around Co-op Food stores and funeral homes, and make maximum use of the amount of funding available.
Organisations can apply if they are a registered charity; a small charity registered with HMRC for tax; a registered community amateur sports club; a church that’s an ‘excepted’ charity or a a Scout or Guide group. Preference is given to organisations with an income of less than £1 million a year.
To qualify, the project’s main activity must take place in the UK or Isle of Man, not finish before October 2017, not have religious or political aims (although they will consider projects led by religious organisations that benefit the wider local community) and meet the organisation’s values.
- For more information, and to apply, visit coop.co.uk/causes.
