Application deadline: the Fund will open to applications on Friday 25th November 2022 with an application deadline of 12 noon (midday) on FRIDAY 23rd DECEMBER 2022.

o Funder: The Co-operative Community Investment Foundation (founded 2002. Charity number 1093028. Total charitable expenditure during the year ended 31 December 2021: £3,121,245).

o Who can apply: UK not-for-profit organisations with an annual turnover of under £250,000.

The Co-op Foundation’s new Future Communities Fund has a focus on supporting voluntary organisations who are passionate about helping the Foundation achieve its Future Communities Vision, which has been created by young people.

In this first round of funding, the Foundation is seeking to support organisations building communities that are: 

o Diverse, equitable and inclusive, and 
o Prioritising youth activism, shared power and transparent governance 

The Fund will offer unrestricted grants of up to £30,000 per year for up to 5 years. 

To be eligible to apply to the Fund, organisations will be expected to meet the following criteria:]

o Have an annual turnover of £250k or less. 
o Have young people’s voices from all backgrounds and abilities at the core of their delivery. 
o Advocate for diversity and inclusion in all areas of society. 
o Actively engage with young people from diverse communities in a meaningful and inclusive way. 
o Have experience of removing barriers and providing opportunities to young people. 
o Have experience of delivering meaningful youth social action that supports young people into leadership roles, and
o Are able to demonstrate they have experience of co-operation/collaboration.

Further information and guidance is available on the Co-op Foundation website. The application form will be made available once the Fund opens to applications on Friday 25th November 2022. The deadline for applications is midday (12 noon) on Friday 23rd December 2022.