Making a difference in local communities

As the original ethical bank, with a unique customer-led Ethical Policy, we’ve always put local communities at the heart of what we do. Community is more than just a group of people living in the same place. It is a sense of belonging. It’s supporting each other, and working co-operatively to take collective action.

Our Bank is guided by our customers and what they feel passionate about. So when they tell us to stand up for good causes, invest more in their communities, or support charities and social enterprises; we do.

It’s the reason we provide free everyday business banking to registered charities, community interest companies, community benefit societies, co-operatives and credit unions through our Community Directplus account (subject to status and eligibility. T&Cs apply). And, if you’re a Community Directplus account holder, you can apply for up to £1,000, twice a year from the Customer Donation Fund, to support special projects and fundraising activities

Through our Customer Donation Fund, we have donated over £1.1 million to more than 1,200 local causes since 2003. Whether it’s developing community centres, improving mental health through sport or boosting confidence in disabled children, for over 20 years our Customer Donation Fund has been supporting communities across the UK.

That’s why The Co-operative Bank is proud to sponsor the Sport Gives Back Awards. Together, we’re celebrating the inspiring work of individuals, organisations and charities all over the UK who change lives, bring people together and support local communities through sport.

In recognition of this contribution, we're delighted to offer £20,000 of funding from our Customer Donation Fund for up to 20 existing Community Directplus business customers who deliver positive impacts in their communities through sport.

Like Gateshead Football Club’s community foundation, who aim to improve the lives of local people through sport and community initiatives. This registered charity provides the community with a wide range of sports and wellbeing activities such as pilates, walking football and inclusive football camps and coaching sessions. With the £1,000 they received from our Customer Donation Fund, they were able to provide school holiday breakfast clubs. These clubs offer the local community a space to come together, and help local families who may be struggling due to the rise in the cost of living, or for anyone experiencing social isolation.

Applications for the next round of funding are now open, and existing Community Directplus customers can fill in an application form here. Applications are reviewed twice a year, and we will be in touch with the successful applicants – apply by 31 March and 30 September. T&Cs apply.