The Co-operative Bank celebrates 20 years of its Customer Donation Fund by hitting £1.1 million milestone

Award-winning charity banking provider, The Co-operative Bank, is celebrating 20 years of its Customer Donation Fund by donating £100,000 in 2023 to a wide-range of local causes across the UK, from refugee support groups to climate co-operatives. This brings the total donations to £1.1 million since the fund was established 20 years ago.

The Customer Donation Fund is a key part of The Co-operative Bank’s commitment to supporting local communities and charitable causes, providing grants to Community Directplus account customers for projects across the UK. Each account holder is able to apply for up to £1,000 from the fund, with applications assessed twice a year.

A Community Directplus account offers registered charities, community interest companies, community benefit societies, co-operatives and credit unions access to ethical and free everyday banking.

The £1.1 million donated since 2003 demonstrates The Co-operative Bank’s commitment to supporting registered charities and this is reflected in the fact that it has been awarded ‘Best Charity Banking Provider’ by Business Moneyfacts eight years in a row.

Hertfordshire-based Community Interest Company, Climate Explorers, is one of the many organisations to benefit from the Customer Donation Fund.

The group aims to raise awareness of climate solutions through YouTube videos, eco events and educational workshops. The recent donation from The Co-operative Bank enabled Climate Explorers to purchase podcast equipment to develop their ‘Mind the Green Space’ podcast, which promotes sustainable action.

Isaac Kenyon, Co-Founder and CEO of Climate Explorers CIC, commented:

“The generous donation made by the Customer Donation Fund has enabled us to share inspiring eco-adventure stories at Climate Explorers. Through our podcasts, we inspire sustainable action, ignite a passion for eco-project volunteering, and emphasise the importance of connecting with nature.

“One of the reasons that we chose The Co-operative Bank as our business bank was because our values are so closely aligned. Together, we are making a meaningful difference and building a more sustainable and conscious world.”

Gary McDermott, Director of Corporate and Strategic Development at The Co-operative Bank, explained:

“We’re proud to have supported so many charities through the Customer Donation Fund over the last 20 years, but particularly during the challenging economic period of late.

“With 81% of charities finding that demand for their services has increased compared to a year ago*, it’s vital that we support organisations across the country who play such an integral role in driving positive change in our communities.”