11th round of Making a Difference Locally charity awards kicks off
CO-OP Wholesale has kicked off its 11th round of its Heart of the Community Awards, offering crucial support to local causes.
As part of the firm’s Making a Difference Locally charity, this latest round will see £200,000 awarded to up to 100 community groups and small charities across the whole o the whole, with each receiving a grant of up to £2,000.
The initiative is designed to support a wide range of local organisations – such as youth groups, community centres and disability support groups – that improve access to resources and opportunities in their areas.
Applications for funding must be submitted by Thursday 19 June 2025 and can only be made though independent retailers supplied by Co-op Wholesale, including Nisa symbol stores.
Previous award beneficiaries include:
• Glanford and Scunthorpe Canoe Club who used their funding to purchase new boats and paddles, enabling children and disabled people to enjoy outdoor water activities.Â
• Bearded Fishermen Charity has since developed a suicide prevention app and funded emergency call-outs, addressing urgent mental health needs.Â
• Hailsham Boxing Club launched a knife crime prevention programme, offering free boxing sessions and education for young people.Â
• Eastleigh Youth & Community Trust improved its sensory suite, enhancing its support for those with disabilities and mental health conditions.Â
• Bilston Town Football Club trained new coaches and provided equipment to improve youth participation in sport.Â
Kate Carroll, social values lead at Co-op Wholesale, said: “We are incredibly proud to support local communities through the Heart of the Community Awards.
“Each round brings inspiring stories of resilience and innovation, and we are excited to see how this year’s funding will help people thrive in 2025.”
