The Co‑op Local Community Fund: Promotional guide for causes
Resources and tips to help:
- understand what being part of the Local Community Fund means
- get more supporters and raise as much money as possible
- let people know about your involvement with the fund
End of round 1 funding
Round 1 finishes on April 8. Our stores will be celebrating and saying thank you to our members and customers on April 19. Round 1 causes can join in the celebrations by:
- adding a Twibbon to their social media profiles
- joining is in an online Thunderclap, where all our causes say thank you together
- using #TheCoopWay to talk about what they're going to do with the money
- updating their social media accounts with thank you messages
- getting involved in in-store events
How the fund works
Every time our members buy Co‑op branded products and services, from buying a loaf of bread to planning a funeral, 1% of their spend goes to a local cause, like yours.
For the 6 months you’re part of the fund the money builds up. Throughout the 6 months, members can choose which cause their contribution goes to.
You’ll receive your funding at the end, if members don't choose a cause during the 6 months we'll share the contribution they've built up equally between the causes in their community.
Start spreading the news
Getting Co‑op Members and supporters to choose your cause makes a difference to the amount you receive.
We’ll be telling our members about what we're doing:
- on our website
- in the press
- in member emails
- in our food stores
You should also spread the word yourself.
1. Become a Co‑op Member
If you’re not a Co‑op Member you can join by signing up on our website at any time.
You can then support your own cause.
2. Use the Co‑op logo
You can use the Co‑op logo whenever you share news about your involvement
Download the logo (Co‑op blue version)
Download the logo (white version)
Check the guidelines on how and where the Co‑op logo can be used.
3. Put up posters in your community
Put posters up in your premises or anywhere you think would help in your local community. Speak to your local Food Store or Funeral home to see if you can put a poster on display.
During the funding period
4. Mention the fund in your newsletter
The sooner you start to spread the word about the fund, the sooner your supporters and Co‑op Members can choose you.
Remember to tell your supporters:
- to become Co‑op members, if they aren't already
- to select your cause by signing into their online account at www.coop.co.uk/membership
- where they can find out more about the fund
- how, when and where they can get involved if they want to
5. Make leaflets
Hand out leaflets to your supporters. Ask at local shops, schools, libraries and stores if you can leave leaflets for people to pick up.
Remember to include:
- who you are, what you're doing and how they can get in touch
- where they can find out more about the fund
- that if they're a Co‑op member they can support your cause immediately at www.coop.co.uk/membership
We've created a template for you to use ‑ simply add your own text.
6. Use social media
Mention your cause on your social media account and get your supporters to share it.
Follow @coopuk to see what the Co‑op community is doing and use the #TheCoopWay hashtag whenever you post about your cause.
Customise your social media profiles
Add a Twibbon to your profile picture so that everyone can see you're part of the fund. Or change your Twitter and Facebook banner and cover images.
During the funding period
'Support us' Twitter header image
'Support us' Facebook cover image
At the end of the funding period
7. Update your email signature
Adding a message or image to your email signature is an easy way to let everyone you write to know about the fund and how to support your cause.
Remember to include:
- that they can find out more about the fund at www.coop.co.uk/membership
- that you can support your cause by becoming a Co‑op member
8. Get in your local newspaper
Tell your local paper about what you're doing and how people can get involved.
Good times to talk to them are:
- when the funding round starts
- when you're paid the money, to say thank you to your supporters
- when you spend the money or before your event so people can get involved
