Co-op funding launches to tackle food poverty and support mental health

Charities are being urged to apply for grants being made available by the Co-op through the next round of funding from its Local Community Fund.

This latest round of funding is aimed at supporting good causes that improve access to food, mental wellbeing as well as opportunities for young people following a survey of groups and expected demand over the next six months.

Research from the Co-op found that more than three quarters of charities and groups expect demand for their services to increase over the next six months. The demand is particularly high among mental health groups (94%), those supporting young people (96%) and groups tackling food poverty (83%).

Applications for our Local Community Fund are now open! Know a local community group that:

🍽 Helps people access food?
😊 Improves people's mental wellbeing?
🤝 Provides opportunities for young people?

Ask them to apply now 👇
— Co-op (@coopuk) May 4, 2021

The deadline for applications is 30 May. Funding for successful bids will begin in October and is available for 12 months.

Charities, community interest companies, as well as Scout, Guide or Woodcraft Folk groups are among organisations that can apply.

Rebeccea Birkbeck, Co-op director of community and shared value, says that applicants will also gain access to support from Co-operate, an online community set up by the retailer to support good causes.

“Our Co-op vision is ‘co-operating for a fairer world’ and it’s heartening to see this come to life in these grass roots projects,” she added.

“Our Local Community Fund and support from our members has been a lifeline throughout the pandemic, and we want even more local groups to take advantage of this opportunity.”