Local causes canapply forfunds

The Co-op has opened applications for its Local Community Fund – and is looking for local causes in Airdre and Coatbridge to apply.

Over the past six years Coop has supported 83 local causes in Monklands and more groups have the chance to apply for funding via coop. co.uk/causes.

The fund is continuing to support local organisations that are involved in providing access to food, helping to improve mental wellbeing or provide opportunities for young people and, for the first time, causes that are working to protect local biodiversity or tackle climate change.

Groups looking to deliver projects in any of these areas are being encouraged to apply online for the fund, which, through the help of Co-op members, has raised over £85 million for nearly 30,000 projects since it began in 2016.

When Co-op members buy selected Co-op products and services from Co-op, 2p for every £1 spent goes into their Co-op Membership account.

The same amount is then given to support national community organisations through the Community Partnership Fund and local causes via the Local Community Fund.

Members can choose the causes they wish to support and, with the help of Coop’s Community Wellbeing Index, go online to compare their community with 28,000 others across the UK.

By entering a postcode the index will reveal a community’s overall wellbeing score and indicate its performance across nine specific areas, including education, health and open spaces, helping members prioritise where to send their support.

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and membership at the Coop, said: “Since the Local Community Fund began, we have raised an amazing £85 million for grassroots causes, as a direct result from the support of our members.

“Also, by applying for the Local Community Fund, groups will join our online community centre, Cooperate, which can help them find additional resources, as well as further donations, making this not just a fund, but a partnership.

“Even if a funding application is not successful, the group will still be a part of a network of over 12,000 groups on Co-operate.”

Visit coop.co.uk/causes to find out more on how to apply for the funding; applications close on May 29.