The Co-operative Fund

Supporting co-operation in your community

So many of the challenges faced by communities throughout the UK are crying out for a co‑operative solution. Whether it is providing childcare or housing, keeping a business alive or protecting the environment, we believe co-operation is the best solution – for everyone.

That's why The Co-operative Fund, funded by the Co-operative Group, provides grants to:

promote, support and develop co‑operative solutions and co‑operative enterprises
expand The Co-operative Movement
promote the co-operative advantage and demonstrate its relevance in the UK today.

When we say a 'co-operative solution' we mean putting the set of values and principles that are the hallmarks of all co-operatives at the heart of your approach. See our values and principles.

Who we support

We support incorporated bodies as long as the initiative or project that the Co-operative Fund grant is going to be used for is co-operative in nature. This includes:

industrial and provident societies
co-operative community interest companies
companies limited by shares
companies limited by guarantee
credit unions
academic institutions

Who we don't usually support

unincorporated bodies
sole traders
individuals
party political activity
initiatives that primarily provide benefits to communities outside the UK

Our grant fund will not support activities where there is a high financial barrier to replication, such as general running costs, or ideas that have already been tried and tested (even if they have been successful).

What we provide

We provide grants under the following funding streams:

start-up
co-operative solutions
promotion of co-operation
co-operative support structures

Find out which type of funding you are eligible for.