This fund is shared between three projects in each area - for example Chorlton. Then 1% of the money spent by members from that area on Co-op own-brand products is given to the projects. This happens every time a member goes into a Co-op store and presents their blue membership card. In Chorlton this can easily amount to around £7,000.
Members can choose which of the three projects they want to receive their 1%, or it's shared equally. Members can also choose a project from another area. The 1% funding is in addition to the 5% that members get for themselves on their blue membership card.
In Chorlton the current projects (Round 5) are Emmeline's Pantry; Friends of Oswald Road: Pocket Park; and The Edge Theatre & Arts Centre. The 1% will be going to them until later this year and then the Round 6 projects will start.
The fund is open for not-for-profit organisations such as: UK registered charities, co-operative societies, community benefit societies and community interest companies. You can see a full list here. Your organisation must have a bank account. We've tried to get this waived but the Co-op is insisting.
You need to put forward a project that meets one or more of the Co-op's three priorities: bring the community together to support those in need, support physical or mental health, develop and share skills. These have changed a bit since the pandemic. The project must be running during and after November 2021. It must benefit the local community.
You have until midnight 28 June.
You apply on-line. It doesn't take long. You can save as you go along.
You can see a presentation here on the fund that shows all the questions you will be asked.
Here's a rapid summary:
Details of the organisation - registration number, something proving it's not for profit (eg rules), bank account details and proof (eg bank statement), what it does, income, photo of you doing something
Details of the project - description, contact names and details, what it will do for the local community, how you'll use the money, how it meets the Co-op's priorities.
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Chorlton and District Coops is organised by a group of concerned members of the Co-op. We aim to promote collaboration between members, Co-op stores and other cooperatives in Chorlton.
This site is not published by The Co-operative Group.