Midcounties Co-Operative Community Fund
About This Funder
The Midcounties Co-Operative Community Fund, established in 2011 by The Midcounties Co-operative Limited, is a registered charitable fund dedicated to enhancing the sustainability and well-being of local communities through grants that embody co-operative values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity. Drawing resources from the co-operative's trading surplus, it empowers grassroots initiatives via member-led nominations and decisions, governed by trustees and the Society’s Member Engagement Committee to ensure alignment with ethical business and community priorities. Its distinctive approach emphasizes hyper-local, volunteer-driven projects fostering social cohesion, resilience, and lasting impact.
The Fund supports broad charitable purposes, prioritizing small-scale community activities such as dementia support events, gardening schemes, youth clubs, sports, food banks, and wellbeing programs that promote inclusion, health, education, and social connections for the general public. Grants cover equipment, facility improvements, events, volunteer engagement, and direct service delivery, favoring practical, sustainable benefits in defined locales.
Eligible applicants are UK-registered charities and constituted community groups, with a strong preference for small, resource-limited, grassroots organizations; applicants must be Midcounties Co-operative members (joinable online). While prioritizing areas with co-operative presence like the West Midlands, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire, it funds across England. Applications via the Your Co-op app or local stores are accepted rolling, with £100–£2,000 grants approved promptly by store managers (smaller amounts) or the Doing Good Together panel (4–6 weeks).
It excludes large-scale capital projects, unrestricted core funding for big organizations, and non-member applications, standing out for its member-participatory, co-operative ethos linking retail presence to ethical community investment.
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Small Grants (Under £10,000)Frequently Asked Questions about Midcounties Co-Operative Community Fund
How much funding does Midcounties Co-Operative Community Fund provide?
Midcounties Co-Operative Community Fund typically provides grants ranging from £100 - £2,000.
Is Midcounties Co-Operative Community Fund accepting applications?
Yes, Midcounties Co-Operative Community Fund is currently open to applications from eligible charities.
Where does Midcounties Co-Operative Community Fund fund charities?
Midcounties Co-Operative Community Fund funds charities operating in West Midlands, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire.
How do I apply for funding from Midcounties Co-Operative Community Fund?
Use Fundermatcher to check if your charity is a good match for Midcounties Co-Operative Community Fund, then access detailed application guidance, deadlines, and eligibility criteria. Our AI assistant can help you draft a compelling application.