Apply for funding to boost a local project

THE Co-op has opened applications for its Local Community Fund.

Over the past six years, Co-op has supported 384 causes in Derby and local groups have the chance to apply for funding via coop.co.uk/causes.

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

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

When Co-op members buy selected products and services, 2p for every £1 spent goes into their account. The same amount is then given to support national and local community organisations.

Members can choose the causes they wish to support and, with the help of Co-op’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, helping members prioritise where to send their support.

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and membership at the Co-op, said: “Since the Local Community Fund began, we have raised an amazing £85m 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, Co-operate, which can help them find additional resources, as well as further donations, making this not just a fund, but a partnership.

“And for the first time I’m so pleased to announce that we have extended the criteria to include causes that are particularly dedicated to helping tackle biodiversity and carbon reduction, from local community gardens to small scale renewable energy schemes.”

Causes wanting more information about applying for the next round of the fund should visit coop.co.uk/ causes. Applications close on May 29. For more information, contact the addresses below:

David Evans: David.evans@coop.co. uk & Emily Penkett: Emily.penkett@coop.co.uk