Community Cares Fund hands out £35,000 to good causes in Essex
20th September 2022
Funding totalling £35,000 has been awarded by the East of England Co-op though its Community Cares Fund to 9 organisations supporting the community in Essex. Grants ranged between £1,000 and £5,000 and are expected to directly benefit more than 3,000 local people.
The region’s largest independent retailer, the East of England Co-op, set-up the fund in April 2020 and with this latest round has supported local communities across the region with donations of more than £591,000 to date. There are two funding rounds annually and the East of England Co-op is set to open applications for the next round of funding on 19 September.
The ‘Community Cares Fund’ receives applications for funding across three pillars – community action, food justice, and mental health and well-being. Grants awarded under mental health and well-being across the region account for 76% of the total fund awarded this round, a sharp rise from the average of 54%.
Niall O’Keeffe, joint chief executive of the East of England Co-op commented: “With this round of funding we have been able to respond to the profound need of those affected by the cost-of-living crisis. As we head into the more difficult winter months ahead, the mental health fallout from the financial difficulties many are expected to experience will be sharp. Many of the grants awarded will go directly to supporting vulnerable local people during this difficult time.”
Among the beneficiaries this round is the Little Explores Preschool in Greenstead, who have received a grant for a new project to introduce young children to new food and teach them about healthy eating and food production, as well the importance of good oral health.
Rachel Eaton, manager at Little Explorers Preschool, said: “We are so excited to receive this funding from the East of England Co-op. It is giving us the opportunity to talk about healthy eating and good oral care in really fun, new ways.
“We will be improving our garden area so the children will have the opportunity to grow food and maybe take some home too! Since the pandemic, many parents have also found it difficult to find dentists. So, alongside growing and eating fruit and veg, we will be providing toothbrushes and teaching the children about good oral health too. The impact will be long-lasting. We are hoping that by learning about healthy choices now, the children will continue to do so throughout their adult lives too. Both the team and our children cannot wait to get started with this project; it will make such a difference.”
Funding for the Community Cares Fund is supplemented by East of England Co-op members who contribute to the fund. Niall added: “To everyone who has donated to the Community Cares Fund, thank you. It continues to make a very real difference to people in your community. We urge other members and customers to donate in store – one easy option is to donate your dividend payment.”
The East of England Co-op works with the Essex Community Foundation (ECF) to distribute and deliver the Community Cares Fund.
The deadline to apply for their next funding round passed on 10 October at 5pm.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your charitable work, please call the ECF grants team on 01245 356018 or email grants@essexcf.org.uk.