Local charities and community groups in Milton Keynes invited to apply for share of £5million

Applications are open for the scheme which has supported almost 40,000 unique community projects across the UK since its launch in 2016, with groups receiving more than £100m.

This year, the company is looking to support projects that help create sustainable futures for ‘people’ and our ‘planet’. Groups can apply if they are looking to deliver local projects with a focus on:

· Supporting young people to fulfil their potential or helping older residents feel connected or improving mental wellbeing

· Tackling climate change, reducing waste and resource use, or protecting nature

The Co-op is also keen to support projects that promote and celebrate diversity and inclusion.

Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Member Participation at Co-op said: “As a co-operative, our focus is to deliver increased value for our member-owners and their communities and we know that members really care about supporting local, grassroots projects. Through our Local Community Fund, we’re able to support local projects and initiatives that make a real difference to people and our planet in communities across the country.”

Successful causes will receive a minimum of £1,000. Wider-reaching benefits include 95 per cent of causes saying that they felt more connected with their communities as a result of participating in Co-op’s Local Community Fund.

Applications are open until Sunday, July 7 and groups interested in applying can find out more by visiting the scheme information page.