Aims/priorities: The funding supports projects in Co-op members’ communities that provide access to opportunities and resources for people to thrive.
The 2025 round will support projects that enable people to access food, create opportunities for young people, improve people’s mental wellbeing, promote community cohesion and build sustainable futures.
The funder is also keen to support projects that promote and celebrate diversity and inclusion.
Who can apply? To apply, groups must:
- Be registered or based in the UK or Isle of Man
- Have their own bank account
- Deliver activity in their local community
- Be not-for-profit
- Provide a Co-op membership number for one of the people making the application (non-members can join online or via the Co-op App).
Applications will be accepted from the following types of organisations:
- A church or chapel that is an excepted charity.
- Charity registered in the UK or Isle of Man.
- Community Benefit Society (CBS).
- Community Interest Company (CIC).
- Co-operative Society.
- Credit Union.
- Social Enterprise.
- Scouts, Guides or Woodcraft Folk groups.
- Any other group that can prove they are not-for-profit.
Grant amount: There is a total of £5 million for Co-op communities across the UK with £6,000 to share between three local causes in each community.
Successful groups will receive a minimum of £1,000 to support their projects.
Projects must take place or still be running after November 2026.
Application process: Successful groups will be part of the Local Community Fund for 12 months from 19 October 2025 to 17 October 2026. Their local cause will receive funds in November 2026.
The terms and conditions as well as the online application form are available on the Co-op’s website.
Deadline: Sunday 6 July 2025, (midnight)
Contact information: Email: communityteam@coop.co.uk
Website: Co-op