Co-operative Group

The Co-op Local Community Fund supports a wide range of community-led initiatives. Priority areas include food insecurity relief through community kitchens and access programmes, youth development for young people aged 16-25, mental wellbeing interventions such as counselling and peer support, diversity and inclusion initiatives for ethnic minorities and LGBTQ+ communities, community cohesion projects like outdoor activities and drop-in centres, and sustainable futures through preventative programmes. The fund supports person-centred, trauma-informed services and early intervention for at-risk children and young people, with a focus on place-based communities near co-operative stores across the UK.

Eligible organisations include registered charities, community benefit societies, community interest companies, social enterprises, faith groups, and other community groups such as Scout and Guide groups. Credit unions and co-operative societies are also welcome. Applicants must provide governing documents, such as a constitution or articles of association, to demonstrate their not-for-profit status. The fund prioritises groups with lived experience leadership and a strong local connection to their community.

The fund does not support political or religious activities unless they are secular and open to all. Statutory services, one-off events, and non-local interventions lacking community ties are also excluded.

The Co-op Local Community Fund provides one-off grants to not-for-profit organisations. It welcomes unsolicited applications and focuses on supporting grassroots, community-led initiatives. The fund emphasises long-term partnerships and unrestricted core funding, aiming to build capacity and foster sustainable change.