Meet our funders #4 – East of England Co-op
East of England Co-operative Society has been actively involved in Co-op Loan Fund since 2008. The society can trace its roots back to 1861 when local people in Colchester came together to set up a shop selling quality food at affordable prices. East of England Co-op still continue to follow in the co-operative tradition of their founders believing in the values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others. Key strategies of the society include: growing membership, improving the daily lives of colleagues, taking action to help save the planet, championing local communities and evolving the business.
The East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund is a charitable initiative established by the East of England Co-op that provides financial grants to initiatives that address the theme of ‘community cohesion and integration’. It aims to support people in playing an active part in communities, to reduce barriers and inequalities and improve social contact and experiences.
Other recent projects include supporting brand new apprenticeships through a regional Levy Support Scheme along with providing grant funds to enable networking for rural community pubs.
East of England Co-op provides food stores, funeral branches, travel agents and other services to towns and villages across 2,000 square miles in four counties – Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and Cambridgeshire and is the largest independent retailer in the region. The co-operative society also has a significant property portfolio with other businesses such as events facilities and stonemasonry making them a truly diverse and modern business.
We are proud to have East of England Co-op as a funder, fellow co-operator, and supporter who put their members and local communities first.
Making a donation
Co-op Loan Fund welcomes donations from any co-operative that wants to support the work of the fund. Co-operatives that make donations of over £50,000 may appoint a representative to the board if they wish. Co-operatives making small donations will also benefit from publicity. If you wish to discuss making a donation please contact us today.
