Community Cares Fund
As a co-operative, supporting our community is at the heart of what we do.
Set up in April 2020 in response to the pandemic, the Community Cares Fund allows us to support a variety of amazing projects and organisations which are making a difference to the lives of others.
This year, the cost of living crisis has deepened the need for support in our communities. Grants going to organisations focusing on mental health and wellbeing account for 69% of the funding awarded this year, compared to 54% in 2021.
Since our last annual report, we've awarded over £200,000 to a diverse range of local groups focusing on everything from community action and food justice to mental health and wellbeing. Since the fund launched, we've given away over £400,000 worth of grants which has been supplemented by our generous members who have donated their annual dividend. Our Community Cares Fund grants have helped more than 100,000 people in our region and counting.
Our latest round of funding was awarded in December 2022, and we’ve been able to support 29 charities and community groups across our region with grants ranging from £1,000 to £5,000. The funding will support more than 17,200 people. The projects we’ve supported largely have an emphasis on reducing isolation in our communities. They include:
- The first LGBTQIA+ rugby team in East Anglia, who are widening access to team sport.
- A family cooking project bringing together families of children in receipt of free school meals to enjoy preparing food as a group.
- And a link-up socialising programme for adults with learning disabilities.