£500 funding boost for co-opted warm spaces

All community groups with live fundraising campaigns as part of the fund have today (19 January) been given £500 from Co-op to help them reach their fundraising goal and new groups will also receive a £500 payment to kick start fundraising.

Eligible groups who already provide a warm space and want to increase opening times or extend existing services or activities can also apply for match funding of up to £5,000 per group by applying at coop.uk/warmspaces by February 28 (fundraising to be completed by March 31).

Since launching its match funding platform with Crowdfunder in December 2022, more than £240,000 has been paid out by Co-op to help 300 groups provide warm spaces in communities the length and breadth of the UK.

Examples of eligible projects include a community cafe that needs funding to continue offering a warm space; a village support group looking to extend existing activities to support more people in the community or a youth group whose energy costs have increased.

Rebecca Birkbeck, Co-op community director, said: “It’s important to remember the vital work that community groups and organisations are providing to people across the UK at a time when it’s most needed.

"As our research shows, we have a huge role to play in supporting these vital services that help during the cost-of-living crisis.

“I'd encourage groups to apply for our Warm Spaces Funding now and make use of the additional £500 funding, as well as the match funding from Co-op.

“The £1 million funding boost wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for our members choosing Co-op and raising funds to support communities every time they shop with us. Our customers and members can help even more by donating through Crowdfunder.”

If you would like to help the Co-op raise even more funds, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/funds/co-op-warm-spaces.

More details about match funding criteria are also avilable on the site.