Co-op and Crowdfunder team up to offer funding for local charities

Co-op and Crowdfunder have joined forces to offer thousands of local causes the chance to access additional funding to maintain and enhance community projects.

Causes that already benefit from Co-op’s Local Community Fund can now apply for additional support via Crowdfunder.

Money donated by Co-op when members buy own-brand products and services will be matched by Crowdfunder’s national and regional partners, with over £10m in additional funding available. The causes must apply via Crowdfunder’s ‘Extra Funding’ page. 

The money will help to build stronger and more resilient communities by tackling key issues such as access to food, mental wellbeing support and opportunities for young people, according to Co-op. 

Since 2016, Co-op members have raised £117m for local communities, including funding for over 30,000 local community projects supporting an estimated seven million people across the UK through the Co-op’s Local Community Fund.

“We know costs are rising for local charities and community organisations across the country, while demand for the support they provide is increasing,” said Co-op head of community funding & impact David Luckin. “Now more than ever, causes need access to funding to maintain, build and enhance their projects.

“I am delighted to see the incredible amounts raised by our members, simply by choosing Co-op. The Local Community Fund can be a real lifeline, promoring the development of stronger, more resilient and fairer communities.

“That is why we are excited to be launching our partnership with Crowdfunder, a move which gives these local projects the opportunity to unlock further funding and make even more difference to their communities.”

Crowdfunder founder and CEO Rob Love said: “We are thrilled to be working with the Co-op on this new initiative. UK charities and community causes are calling for support and this partnership will help give these projects access to a range of funds meaning they can top up their fundraising efforts with match funding from a variety of partners we work with at Crowdfunder.”