Apply to the Co-op Local Community Fund
The Local Community Fund supports projects in our members’ communities that provide access to opportunities and resources to help people thrive.
For our next funding round, which starts in October 2026, Co-op Members will decide how we invest £3.5m through our Local Community Fund.
Are you a local cause looking for funding?
You can apply if you're a not-for-profit group that needs funding to deliver a specific project that benefits your local community. We will only accept one application per group.
If your funding application is successful, we'll work in partnership with you for 12 months.
Applications must be submitted by midnight on 24 June 2026.
Check if you can apply for funding
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
We’re also keen to support projects that promote and celebrate diversity and inclusion.
See examples of projects eligible for funding. View our Terms and Conditions
Your project must also:
take place in the UK or Isle of Man
take place or still be running after November 2027
To apply, your group must:
be registered or based in the UK or Isle of Man
have its own bank account
deliver activity in your local community
be not-for-profit
You must also provide a Co-op membership number for one of the people making this application (if you're not already a member, you can join online or via the Co-op App).
Groups that can apply include:
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
We cannot fund projects that:
use all of the funds to cover staff salaries and running costs
support individuals
support people or projects overseas
are delivered on a national scale
promote any political activities or religious beliefs - but we can consider projects led by religious groups that are for the benefit of the whole community
give our funding to other people or groups
are the responsibility of Local Authorities
could, in our opinion, harm the reputation of Co-op
Community stamps – NEW for 2026
We’ve launched High Five, an opportunity for Co-op Members to collect stamps and earn rewards when they shop with us in Co-op Food stores.
From October, for every personal stamp a member receives, they’ll also get a community stamp to give to a Local Community Fund cause of their choice.
The amount of money your cause will receive will be based on the number of community stamps you receive from members who have chosen you during the funding period.
What you need to apply
You'll need:
your group's charity number or registration details
or
your group's governing documents that show that you're not-for-profit. For example, your group's constitution or articles of association.
You'll also need:
your group's bank details- we cannot pay funding into an account that is not in the name of your group
a bank statement, dated within the last 3 months, in the name of your group
a description of your group and project
basic information about what your group does and annual income
a good photo (landscape, not portrait) that will help promote your project to Co-op Members
2 contacts including phone and email details
Your Co-op Membership number. This is the 18-digit number on the back of your membership card or in your wallet on the App
What happens next
You must apply by midnight on 24 June 2026.
We’ll assess all applications over the summer and email you in October 2026 about the outcome of your application.
If you're successful:
you'll be part of the Local Community Fund for 12 months from 18 October 2026
your cause will receive an initial payment in Spring 2027, with remaining funds being paid in November 2027
every cause will receive a minimum of £500.