Charities are being urged to apply for a £5m pot of funding being made available through the Co-op.

The latest round of funding through the retail group’s Local Community Fund is open to charities and community groups with a focus on supporting people to access food, improve mental wellbeing and to create opportunities for young people.

Projects that promote community cohesion and support the local environments are also priorities.

“Co-operation and people working together, can be a very powerful tool in making a positive difference in local communities. That’s why Co-op is seeking new local causes that provide opportunities and resources that help people to thrive,” said the Co-op.

The fund has supported 39,000 good causes since launching nine years ago.

Applications are open until Sunday, 6 July.

A total of £6,000 is available in every community and the funding will be shared between three local causes.

“The amount your project receives will be based on the number of Co-op members that choose your cause. Every cause will receive a minimum of £1,000,” according to the retail group.

The Co-op’s head of community partnerships, funding and impact David Luckin added: “It’s always exciting to start the search for local causes to take part in a new round of funding.

“Our members have told us that they want Co-op to focus on the real issues affecting people’s lives, and act on the issues that matter most.

“We know that things are increasingly challenging for communities and through this funding we can make a difference locally.”

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