Community funding chance

Community causes in and around Oban are being invited to apply for new funding from the Co-op.

Over the past six years the Co-op has supportOban

ed 217 causes in Oban and the West Highlands and opportunities for other groups and organisations are now open via coop.co.uk/causes.

The fund continues to support organisations 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 more than £85 million for nearly 30,000 projects since it began in 2016.

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.’

Causes 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 Sunday May 29.