News
£40 million fund open for charities and community energy groups
The Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme distributes funds, paid by companies who may have breached Ofgem rules, to Registered Charities, Community Interest Companies, Co-operative Societies and Community Benefit Societies, to deliver energy related projects that meet the scheme priorities and benefit people in England, Scotland and Wales. The core priority is to help people who […]
Nominations are open NOW for the Plunkett UK Awards 2025 Rural Community Business Awards
The Awards, sponsored by Lands Improvement, will celebrate the best in Rural Community Business at a ceremony on Thursday 3 July 2025 at the Royal Society of Chemistry in London These annual awards are an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of community-owned businesses across the UK, and the dedicated and inspiring individuals behind their […]
The Recovery Loan Fund is now the Community Builders Fund, and it’s live!
The Community Builders Fund, previously the Recovery Loan Fund, supports impact-led charities and social enterprises across England, Wales, and Scotland with flexible loans of £100k to £1.5m to help them grow and build long-term resilience. We are delighted to be new partners as the fund relaunches. Building on the success of the Recovery Loan Fund, […]
Maintenance works completed with new finance package secured for community pub
A public house and restaurant in Wiltshire have completed essential property maintenance works after securing new loan and grant finance for their community venture. The Winterbourne pub is located in the village of Winterbourne Bassett about six miles southwest of Swindon and has been owned as a community asset by its residents after a successful […]
We’re thrilled to be part of extended funding from the Community Shares Booster Fund
The Community Shares Booster Fund has extended its offer of flexible funding, thanks to a top‑up of support from Access – the Foundation for Social Investment. This will enable the fund to continue supporting the community shares market throughout 2025 and beyond. Community shares are a way for people to invest in businesses that benefit […]
Beloved community asset thrives as pub secures new investment
A popular nineteenth-century village pub has received a new funding package enabling refinancing and securing its role as a vital community asset. The Helions Bumpstead Community Benefit Society was set up in 2014 with a view to take community ownership of their local pub the ‘Three Horseshoes’ (located in northwest Essex) after it was registered […]
Book now to join Stir To Action for the ABCs of Community Assets
The ABCs of Community Assets, a new training programme from Stir to Action aiming to inspire a nation of new community asset leaders, is open for bookings, now. Running from the 12th of March to the 9th July 2025, the programme – featuring workshops and study visits – will support local groups to find out […]
BOOK NOW: Alternative Business Models Course from Stir To Action and Co-op Culture
Expand your knowledge to include less common and innovative approaches to business and governance. When it comes to setting up a new organisation, or supporting others to do so, all legal frameworks, whether private, mutualistic, or charitable, are a response to some simple questions: Who should own it? Who should benefit from its value? And […]
New National Survey Highlights Urgent Need and Optimistic Future for Britain’s Social Clubs
Co-op and Community Finance is proud to work with The Centre for Democratic Business on understanding the role and future of Britain’s Social Clubs, and helping to support the path to revival for these vital community spaces. We are pleased to share the findings of their survey, below, and support the call for targeted […]
FREE webinar: Energy Resilience Fund: Thursday January 30th
Register now for the Energy Resilience Fund Webinar, online this Thursday 30th January from 130-230pm. The new Energy Resilience fund provides a blend of 40% grant, 60% loan designed to help charities and social enterprises improve their energy efficiency and remain resilient into the future. Come along to find out more about the fund, what […]
Apply now to UK Wide Supporting Rural Communities grant programme
The Royal Countryside Fund’s Supporting Rural Communities grant programme is now open to expressions of interest from until the 21st February. The Fund believes that transformative, community-led initiatives across the UK, are ‘unlocking the huge potential for positive change in rural communities’. They want to support these locally rooted organisations to deliver innovative projects and […]
2025: The International Year of Co-operatives
For us here in the UK, the second International Year of Co-operatives could not come at a better time. As has been widely reported, the Labour Government has committed to doubling the size of the co-operative and mutual sector. The work has already started, with the movement uniting behind the pledge and mobilising to support […]