Guide for local causes

If you’re part of our Co-op Local Community Fund from 19 October 2025 to 17 October 2026, then this guide is for you. It will help you get the most out of our 12-month funding partnership by providing guidance on membership and where to download promotional materials.

Encourage Co-op Members to choose your cause and you could win big in November

Your project could win £10,000 in our Member Prizes draw

This November, Co-op Members have the chance to win £1,000 for them and £10,000 for their new chosen Local Community Fund cause as part of our Member Prizes draw.

To enter, members need to choose the prize through the Co-op App, spend a minimum of £5 in-store and swipe their Co-op membership card. 

So, make sure you encourage your supporters to download the Co-op App, become a Co-op Member and choose you as their local cause. Full details here.

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We've created a range of promotional materials to help you raise awareness of your involvement in the fund. Share these resources to help you encourage more members to choose you as their cause.

Social media can be a powerful tool for raising awareness about your cause, and the project you’re looking to raise funds for. Spread the word about being part of the fund and don’t forget to tag @coopuk

You can use the Co-op logo on any promotional materials you are creating to encourage Co-op Members to choose you as their local cause. Download our useful guide to find out how.

Missed our Welcome Webinar?

If you missed our live webinar on 16 October 2025, don’t worry, we recorded it for you!

Watch the video to find out how the Local Community Fund works, how to promote your cause to our members and how to engage with your local Co-op Colleagues.

You're part of the Co-op Local Community Fund - what to expect and when

October 2025
Funding round opens

February 2026
Complete pre-payment survey

March 2026
Interim payment of £500

September 2026
Complete pre-payment survey

October 2026
Funding round closes

November 2026
Final payment

December 2026
Complete cause experience survey

June 2027
End of Project report - tell us how you’ve spent the grant

Connect with your Member Activator

Our team of Member Activators raise awareness about Co-op Membership, deliver campaigns and connect communities. They can help you strengthen your local networks.

Use our online directory to find and contact the Member Activator in your area.

Encourage members to download the Co-op App

As we are owned by our members, they have a say in how we spend our profits. One of the ways Co-op Members can influence where we share £5m in our communities is by choosing a local cause on the Co-op App. So, encourage your supporters to download the app and choose you.

Keep in touch with us

Look out for regular emails from the Local Community Fund team which offer guidance and support throughout the funding period. You can email us at: communityteam@coop.co.uk. Remember to include your 5 or 6-digit ‘Cause ID' which can be found on emails we've sent you.

About the Local Community Fund

Our Member Activators

More about membership

Guide for local causes

Encourage Co-op Members to choose your cause and you could win big in November

Your project could win £10,000 in our Member Prizes draw

Download resources

Share on social media

Use the Co-op logo

Missed our Welcome Webinar?

Watch the video to find out more about how the fund works

You're part of the Co-op Local Community Fund - what to expect and when

Connect with your Member Activator

Member Activators can help you strengthen your local networks

Encourage members to download the Co-op App

Keep in touch with us