# Co-op members’ dividend to support local causes

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2016/09/27/co-op-members-dividend-support-local-causes/
- Published: 2016-09-27T16:29:49+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

**The Co-op has changed the way it returns a dividend to its members. It will now
be returning 5% of what members spend in the form of vouchers, together with 1% 
which will be donated to a local good cause.**

“Every time our members buy selected Co-op branded products and services” the organisation
has announced, “1% of their spend goes to a local cause. The more members spend,
the more money goes to causes in their area”.

![Two different Co-op shopping bags](https://wfay6x.infiniteuploads.cloud/2016/09/
co-op-plastic-bags.jpg)

_Sales of Co-op plastic bags will benefit local community organisations_

The funds available will be kickstarted in two ways:

## Advertisement

 * the Co-op will donate income from the sales of its reusable bags
 * and it will donate the 5p fee (where applicable) that it now [charges for plastic bags](http://www.co-operativefood.co.uk/carrier-bags)

The Broughty Ferry Library in Dundee, Scotland, is one of the local organisations
that has benefited from support from the Co-op and its members:

_[Video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMCJJgmFC44 no longer available]._

 Co-op members will be able to help choose which local organisation receives their
1% donation by logging into their membership account.

## Applications open later

Applications from charities and organisations wishing to benefit from the fund are**
not** possible at this stage. The Co-op will issue a request for applications later
in 2016, and UK Fundraising will share details.

Meanwhile you can find out more about the [Co-op Local Community Fund](https://causes.coop.co.uk/).
Note that “you and your members will need to be Co-opMembers to raise funds for 
your cause”.
  

## ⏎ More Co-op fundraising

 * **[The Co-operative chooses British Red Cross in new style of charity partnership](https://fundraising.co.uk/2015/07/21/the-co-operative-chooses-british-red-cross-in-new-style-charity-partnership/)(
   21 July 2015)**
 * **[Co-op own label products in Nisa stores to include MADL donation](https://fundraising.co.uk/2019/04/04/co-op-own-label-products-in-nisa-stores-to-include-madl-donation/)(
   4 April 2019)**
 * **[Co-op Christmas sandwiches raise £40,000 for Young Carers](https://fundraising.co.uk/2011/02/23/coop-christmas-sandwiches-raise-40000-young-carers/)(
   23 February 2011)**