Aims/priorities: The Local Community Fund supports projects in its members’ communities that provide access to opportunities and resources to help people thrive. For the latest round, Co-op Members will decide how to invest £3.5m through the Local Community Fund.
You can apply if your project helps people to thrive in one of the following ways:
- enables people to access food
- creates opportunities for young people
- improves people’s mental wellbeing
- promotes community cohesion
- builds sustainable futures
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:
- Churches or Chapels that are excepted charities (that means they do not need to register with the Charities Commission)
- Co-operative Societies
- Community Benefit Societies
- Community Interest Companies
- Credit Unions
- Registered Charities in the UK or Isle of Man
- Schools
- Social Enterprises
- Scout, Guide or Woodcraft Folk groups
- Any other group that can prove that they are not-for-profit
Grant amount: Successful applicants will receive an amount based on the number of community stamps received from members who have chosen them during the funding period. They will also:
- Be part of the Local Community Fund for 12 months from 18 October 2026
- Receive an initial payment in Spring 2027, with remaining funds being paid in November 2027
- Will receive a minimum of £500
Application process: The terms and conditions as well as the online application form are available on the Co-op's website.
Deadline: Wednesday 24 June 2026, (midnight)
Contact Information: Email: communityteam@coop.co.uk
Website: Co-op