The Co-Operative Community Fund

The Co-Operative Group is committed to supporting self-help groups in the local communities where they trade.This scheme relies on the generosity of Dividend Cardholders who donate the “odd-pence” from their twice a year Dividend payment. Since its launch in 1998, the scheme has raised more than £3.2 million, helping more than 800 local community groups.

What is the funding for?
Community Fund grants are awarded to community, voluntary, or self-help groups to run projects that meet the following criteria. To be successful a group must:

* carry out positive work in the community

and a project must:

* address a community issue
* provide a good long-term benefit to the community
* support co-operative values and principles
* ideally be innovative in its approach

How much money is available?
Grants of between £100 and £2,000 are awarded, however, amounts of a few hundred pounds are more usual than the larger amounts.

Who can apply?
Any community group or organisation, working to a charitable purpose.

When to apply
At any time but at least 4 months ahead of planned project

How to apply
You have to complete and submit your application on line. Click here for the link to the website.

Key words: child welfare, community, conservation, disability, enviroment, heritage, poverty, education, elderly, youth, ill health,