Co-op Community Cares Fund Opens for Applications
27th October 2025
Applications open Monday, 3 November
The East of England Co-op, the region’s largest independent retailer, is inviting applications for its Community Cares Fund, offering grants of £1,000–£5,000 to charities and organisations supporting communities across Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire.
The Community Cares Fund provides financial support to voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations, charities and parish councils delivering services or activities that make a real, positive impact on their communities. The fund particularly focuses on initiatives that help people take an active part in community life, reduce barriers and inequalities, and improve social connections and experiences.
Successful applications should align with one or more of these outcomes:
- Improved access to social activities for all
- Reduced feelings of isolation and improved wellbeing
- Support into education or employment
- Information, advice or guidance to maximise income
- Evidence of partnership working or alliance formation
Fund Criteria
- Projects must be delivered within a reasonable distance of an East of England Co-op store (locations include Colchester, Braintree, Maldon, Tendring). Click here to find your nearest store.
- The Co-op will only fund applications covering 30% or more of the overall project costs
- Organisations cannot receive consecutive yearly grants; a 12-month gap is required if you have previously received funding
How to apply:
Deadline to apply is 5pm, Monday 1 December 2025.
Grant decisions will be announced in January 2026.
To apply, complete our application form which you can find by clicking here.
We always recommend discussing your project in advance with our Grants Team to do so please call 01245 355947 or book a call.