Carbon Innovation Fund

The Co-op Foundation is offering funding of between £75,000 - £100,000 to support work in the food and farming sector which reduces the emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

They’re looking for innovative projects, movements, or inventions which not only deliver an environmental good, but contribute to real systems change, and can demonstrate a positive impact for people and communities too.

The Carbon Innovation Fund will support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and could be related to one of the following: 

• Farming and food production practices  
• Initiatives around regenerative agriculture/agro-ecology  
• Community supported agriculture initiatives  
• Supporting diversity, resilience and learning amongst key players in the food & farming sector  
• Behaviour change (among consumers or producers)   

The Foundation plans to award funding of between £75k and £100k to about 10 projects in year one. Eligible organisations include charities, social enterprises, co-operatives and local, regional and national governments worldwide. 

First stage applications close at  midday on Friday 10 December. For full guidance and application details, read the Innovation Fund guidance.

This fund is a new partnership between the Co-op and the Co-op Foundation. The majority of the £3m Carbon Innovation Fund has been donated by the Co-op from the sale of compostable carrier bags in the UK. The remainder comes from the Co-op Foundation’s own funds.