1) About the Fund

The Coop Community Impact Fund supports projects that deliver meaningful environmental, social and community benefit across Jersey and Guernsey.

The Fund reinvests money from dormant member accounts into local communities, following a member vote at the 2021 Annual Members’ Meeting. This ensures previously unused balances are put to work in a transparent and purposeful way that benefits islanders.

2) Our purpose

The Fund exists to:

1. Deliver measurable impact in local communities
2. Support environmental, social, heritage and wellbeing projects
3. Align with CI Coop values and sustainability priorities
4. Reinforce our commitment to members and community benefit

3) How funding is distributed

The Fund supports projects in three ways:

1. Direct funding for strategic projects identified by the Fund Committee
2. Partnership funding with trusted foundations and organisations
3. An annual application programme for charities and community organisations

These Terms and Conditions apply primarily to the application programme, unless otherwise stated.

4) Who can apply

You can apply if your organisation is:

1. A charity, not-for-profit, community group or social enterprise
2. A school or organisation delivering community benefit
3. Based in Jersey or Guernsey

Projects must clearly benefit local communities.

5) Funding available

1. Grants of up to £25,000 per project
2. The number and size of grants will vary each year
3. We aim to support fewer, higher-impact projects than the Coop Community Fund

Only one application per organisation per funding round is permitted.

6) What we fund

We support projects aligned with our sustainability priorities, including:

1. Protecting and restoring the environment
2. Improving accessibility and social inclusion
3. Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion
4. Supporting health and wellbeing
5. Helping young people and future generations
6. Supporting older or vulnerable people
7. Sponsorship of sporting events or travel

7) Projects must demonstrate:

1. A clear community need
2. Defined outcomes and impact
3. A realistic delivery plan
4. Long-term benefit or legacy

8) What we don’t fund

We do not fund:

1. Individuals or personal requests
2. For-profit or commercial activity
3. Political or religious campaigning
4. Projects already completed (retrospective funding)
5. Core statutory services
6. General fundraising without a defined project
7. Debt repayment or operating deficits

Applications that present reputational risk or do not align with CI Coop values may be declined.

9) Application process

Applications may be submitted at any time throughout the year. However, to be considered in the annual assessment round, completed applications must be received by 31 January for a decision in March of the same year.

The assessment process runs annually and includes:

• Eligibility checks
• Assessment and scoring
• Due diligence
• Final decision
• Notification of outcome

Applications received after the 31 January deadline, or those that are incomplete, will not be considered until the following assessment cycle.

10) How applications are assessed

Applications are assessed on:

1. Community impact and reach
2. Evidence of need
3. Alignment with CI Coop values
4. Deliverability and planning
5. Value for money
6. Long-term sustainability

The Fund Decision Committee makes final decisions and has full discretion over awards.

11) Due diligence

Before any funding is confirmed, we will carry out checks including:

1. Verification of organisational status and governance
2. Review of accounts and financial stability
3. Confirmation of bank account details
4. Safeguarding, insurance and policies (where relevant)
5. Project feasibility and risk assessment

We may withdraw an offer if required information is not provided.

12) Grant offers and payments

1. Funding may be awarded in full, partially, or with conditions
2. Payments may be made in full or in stages, depending on project risk
3. Funds will only be paid to an organisation’s bank account

All successful applicants must sign a grant agreement before payment is made.

13) Monitoring and reporting

If you receive funding, you must:

1. Provide updates during your project (where required)
2. Submit a final report showing outcomes and impact
3. Demonstrate how funds were used

We may request case studies, photos or testimonials to help share the impact of the Fund.

14) Use of funding

Funding must:

1. Be used only for the approved project
2. Match the agreed budget and proposal
3. Not be reassigned without our approval

We may request repayment if funds are misused.

15) Recognition and promotion

Successful projects should:

1. Acknowledge CI Coop support where appropriate
2. Take part in communications or storytelling activity if requested

16) Conflicts of interest

All assessors and decision-makers must declare any conflicts of interest and will not take part in decisions where conflicts exist.

17) Data protection

We will use your data responsibly and in line with applicable data protection laws to administer the Fund.

18) Changes to the Fund

We may:

1. Update these Terms and Conditions
2. Change priorities or eligibility
3. Pause or withdraw funding at any time

Any updates will be published on our website.

19) Transparency to Members

The Fund is reported through CI Coop communications, including sustainability and annual reporting, highlighting how dormant member funds are reinvested into community benefit.

20) Contact us

For questions about the Fund or your application, please contact our Sustainability and Community team at community@channelislands.coop