Ellesmere Port: Applications open for Co-op funding

The fund, which totals £5m, has supported almost 40,000 unique projects across the UK since its launch in 2016, with groups receiving more than £100m across the eight-year period.

Co-op is now inviting local charities, community groups and voluntary organisations to apply for the latest round of funding.

This year,  Co-op is looking to support projects that help create sustainable futures for ‘people’ and our ‘planet’. Groups can apply if they are looking to deliver local projects with a focus on:  

• People: supporting young people to fulfil their potential; helping older residents feel connected or improving mental wellbeing  
• Planet: tackling climate change, reducing waste and resource use, or protecting nature  

Director of Community and Member Participation, Rebecca Birkbeck. (Image: Co-op)

The Co-op is also keen to support projects that promote and celebrate diversity and inclusion.  

Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Member Participation at Co-op said: 

“As a co-operative, our focus is to deliver increased value for our member-owners and their communities and we know that members really care about supporting local, grassroots projects. Through our Local Community Fund, we’re able to support local projects and initiatives that make a real difference to people and our planet in communities across the country.”

Successful causes will receive a minimum of £1,000. Wider-reaching benefits include 95% of causes saying that they felt more connected with their communities as a result of participating in Co-op’s Local Community Fund.

£6,000 is available in every community and the funding will be shared between three local causes. The amount each project receives will be based on the number of Co-op members that choose that cause.

Applications are open until Sunday, July 7, and interested groups can find out more information at: Co-op (coop.co.uk).