I'm a big fan of giving something back to the community wherever possible, I regularly use things like Freecycle to give away stuff I no longer have a need for to someone else who can put it to good use. I also try to help out with work where I can, doing bits and pieces of photo and computer work for people, free of charge, if I think they need helping out.

I have a standing deal every year (though sadly this year was missed due to weather) where I photograph the pantomime for a local drama group. Though the drama group just more or less breaks even, it manages to keep around 30 kids occupied and off the streets for regular rehearsals and practises, which in itself is an achievement as far as I'm concerned. It's always a pleasure to spend the couple of hours shooting the dress rehearsal and making sure they have some good pics that the kids can be proud of, as well as the fun of getting to see the show while they run through it one last time before the curtains go up.

I've also always wondered just how beneficial things like the Co-Op are, if there is actually much kickback to the members, or if its a overhang of a different era, and not really worth bothering with these days. Well, I guess I now have my answer. It seems they operate a grant scheme called the Co-operative Community Fund, which helps communities throughout the UK, especially the little people like local clubs and community groups who might find it difficult to find funding from other sources. The scheme is actually funded by members of the Co-op donating some of their share of the profits, so I guess it would have that added feeling for those donating that they are giving without ever having to spend (you can't miss what you never had, as they say). This year alone they have donated £1.2 million, which is no small amount by anyone's standards!

To be successful a group must:

  • Carry out positive work in the community (it does not have to have charitable status to apply)

The Cooperative Membership FundAnd the project must:

  • Address a community issue
  • Provide a long-term benefit to the community
  • Support co-operative values and principles
  • Ideally be innovative in its approach

So if you think your group has a project that could benefit from some grant funding, and meets the criteria above, then please head along to The Cooperative Membership Fund and get yourself an application in. Good luck :)

~Shepy

 

Sponsored Post

Share hosted by Wikio