Helping those who help others
The Chelmsford Star Co-op Community Fund
Initially formed in 2020 as a response to COVID-19 causing immeasurable damage to small community groups, our Community Fund soon replaced other longer running fundraising initiatives, benefitting local groups, charities and good causes across Essex.
The Fund awards grants of between £500 and £5,000 to those applying, with a panel of specially elected co-op members selecting who benefits. The Fund is made up of colleague and customer donations, profits from events, corporate donations, carrier bag sales and tickets from our in-store raffles. It is managed by the Essex Community Foundation (ECF), who do background checks and due diligence to ensure we’re supporting those with the most need or are most suitable to our values and principles.
Working with the ECF also allows us to ‘club together’ with other grant-giving funds, allowing us to offer donations for even higher amounts! Yet another example of co-operation leading to bigger and better rewards.
If you wish to apply for one of our grants, please contact the ECF here: csc@essexcf.org.uk
You can read about some of our recent beneficiaries below.
Applications to our Fund will be reviewed and selected by a committee of Chelmsford Star Co-op members.
In previous years, we’ve supported charitable organisations and community groups via our Charity of the Year partnership and our Community Card scheme. This new Community Fund combines the best bits of both.
