The Midcounties Co-operative has over 350,000 members and more than 9,000 colleagues making it one of theUK’s largest independent retailers.  Our purpose is to work towards a better, fairer world, enhancing the lives of our colleagues, members and customers and the communities we serve.  We believe in:

• Democracy – ensuring the views of our membership are reflected in the way we run The Midcounties Co-operative
• Openness – being open and honest and fair in our dealings with everyone we come into contact with
• Equality – recognising the contribution that everyone can make in developing The Midcounties Co-operative
• Social Responsibility – reflecting our responsibilities to the wider community in the way we conduct our business

Criteria:

The Midcounties Co-operative Community Fund is for the benefit of communities where The Midcounties Co-operative trades.  You can see where our stores are located by clicking here (http://www.midcounties.coop/community/co-operative-community-funding).

The fund is keen to receive applications from voluntary/community organisations that are able to demonstrate that their project will build their capacity and bring benefit to the local community and in doing so meet at least one of the criteria listed below:

• Encourage community responsibility
• Develop community capacity
• Demonstrate Co-operative Values

• The Community Foundation for Shropshire & Telford is administering this fund in Shropshire, but there are others areas taking part (please view map for other trading locales). (http://www.midcounties.coop/community/co-operative-community-funding).

Who can apply?

To apply for funding the applicant (individual submitting the form) must be a member of The Midcounties Co-operative and membership should have been in place for at least three months prior to application.  Further details on membership can be obtained here (http://www.midcounties.coop/membership)

Groups need to:

• Be working within communities where The Midcounties Co-operative trades i.e. Shropshire and Telford(please view map for other trading locales) (http://www.midcounties.coop/community/co-operative-community-funding).
• Be a not for profit, third sector voluntary or community group active in their local community and run by local people, with an income of less than £100,000 (in the last financial year)
• Provide proof that the applicant has held a membership of The Midcounties Cooperative for at least three months prior to application (i.e. a photocopy of membership card). If the member's name differs from that of the applicant an explanation of their relationship to the group is required.

How much can you apply for?

Grants are up to a maximum of £2,000 and groups are advised only to apply for the amount they need to purchase an item of equipment or to fund a project.

Deadlines:

Applications for the next round of this programme open on 09 January 2012 and must be received by 10 February 2012. There will be further rounds of funding available in late 2012 and 2013.