Groups can apply for Co-op funding

Community groups across Paisley and beyond are being urged to apply for funding.

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

Over the past six years, The Co-op has donated £249,181 to local causes in Paisley and from today 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 £85million for nearly 30,000 projects since it began in 2016.

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

Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and membership at the Coop, 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, 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.

“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.”

Organisations wanting more information about applying for the next round of the Co-op’s Local Community Fund should visit coop.co.uk/ causes.

Applications close on May 29.