The East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund is a charitable initiative established by the East of England Co-op. The Community Cares Fund provides financial grants to initiatives that address 'community cohesion and integration' and aims to support people in playing an active part in our communities to reduce barriers and inequalities, and improve social contact and experiences. 

The East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund is administered on our behalf by the Suffolk Community Foundation, working with Essex, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire Community Foundations. 

Applications will open again in November 2024. 

Funded projects will need to show that they're working towards one or more of the following outcomes: 

• Improved access to social activities for all 
• Reduction in feelings of isolation and improved wellbeing
• Supported people into education or employment 
• Provided information, advice or guidance to maximise income
• Evidence of partnership working or alliance formation 

We award grants of between £1,000 and £5,000. 

You cannot re-apply to this fund in consecutive years. If you've received a grant from the Community Cares Fund previously, there must be at least 12 months since your last end of grant report was received. 

We'll only consider applications where the East of England Co-op are funding 30% or more of costs. 

You can apply for the East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund if you're a voluntary or community group, social enterprise organisation (VCSE) or charity looking to create or adapt services or activities to address local needs where the East of England Co-op trades. 

You must be based in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex or Cambridgeshire and within a reasonable distance of one or more of our stores or branches (meaning recipients are likely to be aware of or use our services). 

The work your group is delivering must benefit people from all faiths and political associations and not be purely intended to further religious or political beliefs.

To find your nearest East of England Co-op Food store, Travel branch or Funeral branch visit our store finder and select the option for 'All branches'. 

Applicants to the East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund will need to have: 

• A management committee of at least three members
• A governing document/constitution with a dissolution clause
• A bank account with two unrelated signatories living at separate addresses, who must both sign for all withdrawals
• An equal opportunities policy
• Annual accounts
• Management accounts (if your accounts are less than six months old) which show income, expenditure and reserves (split by restricted and unrestricted)
• Relevant safeguarding policies if you're working with young people or vulnerable adults

By applying to the East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund you agree to share your data with the East of England Co-op and the Community Foundations and understand that you may be contacted for publicity purposes. 

Successful applicants will be publicly announced and required to take part in marketing activities with us to promote the East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund and the work that the group is undertaking in the community.