Charities and community groups can get quicker access to grants

Groups and good causes could get up to £5,000 in funding even quicker thanks to a change in Central England Co-op’s Community Dividend Fund. EMN-200307-104412001

Central England Co-op has today (Friday) relaunched its Community Dividend Fund, which normally sees grants handed out four times a year to a wide range of organisations but, during the next four months, it has been decided to hand grants out on a monthly basis to provide immediate financial support to good causes, groups and charities suffering financial hardship due to the pandemic and others looking to step in to help those affected by it.

Grants range from £100 to £5,000 and are available to full members of Central England Co-op including Leicestershire, Rutland, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire.

Jim Watts, Society Secretary, said: “In response to the current crisis, we have made some changes to our Community Dividend Fund scheme to provide immediate financial support for local good causes, community groups and charities who are responding to some of the most worrying impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Many charities and organisations are suffering financial hardship due to the pandemic - incomes have fallen, demand has risen.

“In particular, we know that providing the basics including food has become a challenge for many people. Isolation and lack of access to normal services means that mental health and wellbeing is a growing concern.

“We particularly welcome applications from organisations that are meeting needs in these areas.

“Community Dividend Fund grants showcase how by being a member and shopping at your local Central England Co-op store allows us as a Society to continue to invest and fund vital projects in the area – especially during uncertain times like these.”

To apply, members will need: name, address, membership number, organisation type, organisation bank account or constitution and to explain what the group does, how the grant will be spent and the specific impact it will have related to COVID-19.

People can find out the full criteria and how to apply for funding by visiting https://www.centralengland.coop/community/