Fund for struggling charities to help keep people warm

We’ve all felt that first real cold snap this week but the ice isn’t set to leave anytime soon as data reveals that over a quarter (26%) of community initiatives said they were considering having to reduce services as a result of shortfalls in funding, whilst a tenth (10%) of local projects have already closed or reduced services.
These are vital groups which keep people connected, warm and fed.
This funding comes as a welcome boost as insight from more than 1,600 local community causes across the UK, showed that nearly two-thirds (59%) of projects have experienced a shortfall in funding over the past 12 months.
Over three-quarters (84%) of local causes have seen an increase in demand, particularly those providing support for people through the cost-of-living crisis.
The Co-op has launched a £1 million ‘Warm Spaces’ funding boost in a retailing first, to provide urgent support to local community organisations across the UK, as they help communities navigate the cost-of-living crisis during the cold winter months.
In support, Co-op is helping local groups bring people together into warm spaces, through its newly established partnership with Crowdfunder. Eligible groups who are already offering a warm space, wanting to increase opening times or extend existing services or activities this winter can apply for the £1m match funding – up to £3,000 per group until end of March 2023 from 6th December by going to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/funds/co-op-warm-spaces by 28th February 2023.
Projects that can apply might include, a community cafe that needs funding to continue offering their building as a warm space; a local village support group wanting to extend existing activities to support more people in their community; a community fridge, wanting to promote their services more widely to meet increasing need or a youth group whose energy costs have increased.