Could your local community benefit from a grant from The Cooperative Membership Fund?
The Co-operative Community Fund is a grant scheme, which helps local communities throughout the UK. It is looking for people to carry out positive work in the community. So far thousands of clubs, community groups and local charities have benefited, with £1.2 million being donated across the country this year.
At a time when money is scarce and local groups and enterprises can no longer assume that funding from government or even local businesses will be forthcoming, this seems like a great way of ensuring these projects do not have to close. In communities like mine, where the unemployment rate is very high, many families are dependent on local clubs and groups for somewhere to go and for the chance to meet others. They also instill a great sense of community spirit.
The Community Fund is a registered charity and is governed by The Co-operative Community Investment Fund (CCIF). This board of trustees are responsible for ensuring funds to projects are given in line with the Charities Commission guidelines.
The scheme is funded by generous members of The Co-operative donating some of their share of profits, which is then given away in the form of small grants.
Grants vary from a minimum of £100 to a maximum of £2,000.
Applications are welcome from groups who carry out positive work in the community (it does not have to have charitable status to apply). To qualify for a grant projects must address a community issue, provide long term benefit to the community, support co-operative values and principles and be innovative in its approach.
Application forms are available on their website.
