The Co-op has boosted its funding offer to community groups in Gedling borough offering warm spaces for those struggling with heating costs during the cost of living crisis.
In December the Co-op became the first retailer to launch a £1m ‘warm spaces’ funding offer.
The retailer has now increased their match funding limit to £5,000 per project, having previously match funded up to £3,000, with no minimum amount that must be raised for Co-op to match fundraising efforts.
All community groups with live fundraising campaigns as part of the fund have been given £500 from Co-op to help them reach their fundraising goal and all new groups who sign up will also receive a £500 payment to kick start fundraising.
Since launching the match funding platform with Crowdfunder in December 2022 over £240,000 (as of January 19) has been paid out by Co-op to help 300 groups provide warm spaces in communities across the UK.
if your group hasn’t applied already, and is looking for additional funds to cover energy bills or enhance winter activities, then why not consider applying?
If you run services and activities from community spaces in your local area, not-for-profit community organisations can also apply for match funding to:
- Maintain vital services in the face of rising energy costs
- Make the community space that they operate from more welcoming
- Increase opening times or extend services
Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community and member participation at Co-op said: “I’d encourage groups to apply for our Warm Spaces Funding now and make use of the additional £500 funding as well as the match funding from Co-op so they can help to provide warm spaces to people in their community.
“Funding for warm spaces forms part of our response to our community missions of access to food, mental wellbeing support and opportunities for young people. Launching this funding boosts will help groups keep their lights and heating on as they bring communities together to keep warm in the coldest months of the year– increasing overall wellbeing. It may also mean people don’t have to choose between accessing food or heating this winter. Plus, having a warm space allows the community to take a break from their everyday worries, improving their mental wellbeing.
“The £1m funding boost wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for our members choosing Co-op and raising funds to support communities every time they shop with us. Our customers and members can help even more by donating through Crowdfunder or take part by using the services that are being funded.”
Time is limited however with applications to be submitted by February 28, 2023 for those that wish to apply for the Co-op funding boost scheme (fundraising to be completed by 31st March 2023).
Full details on how you can apply can be read here and on Co-op Local Community Fund | Crowdfunder UK .
