Co-op Live, the UK’s largest indoor arena, is celebrating the International Day of Charity by reflecting on a landmark first year of giving back to communities and young people across the UK.
Since opening, the arena has made a significant impact, including:
- £1 million donated to the Co-op Foundation to support youth and community initiatives nationwide.
- £200,000 for local charities in East Manchester, including £100,000 matched by the Co-op Foundation.
- £266,000 in support for charities aligned with artists who have performed at the venue.
A key focus of this giving is the Co-op Foundation’s Young Gamechangers Fund, which provides grants of up to £20,000 directly to young people aged 10–25 leading projects that create positive social change.
This £1 million donation is the first in an annual commitment that sees a percentage of all ticket sales, partner and premium revenue reinvested into communities, using live entertainment as a genuine force for good.
“From the very start, Co-op Live has been about more than live entertainment,” said Gary Roden, Executive Director & General Manager, Co-op Live. “We’re proud to invest in the next generation, champion youth-led change and help create fairer, stronger communities in Manchester and beyond.”
Lets take a closer look to where our donation goes...
As part of its landmark £1 million annual donation to the Co-op Foundation, Co-op Live shone a spotlight on FungALL, a Manchester-based community organisation founded by Thomas Cockroft and a group of passionate young people.
FungALL used the power of mushrooms and nature to inspire sustainability, mental wellbeing, and environmental activism, demonstrating how grassroots projects could spark big change. With funding from the Young Gamechangers Fund, the organisation grew from a bold idea into a thriving, youth-led initiative that made a real impact locally.
In July, FungALL’s homegrown mushrooms were even featured in special pizzas served in the Co-op Backstage Club during Billie Eilish’s shows, aligning with the artist’s commitment to plant-based, climate-conscious food.
“Support from the Young Gamechangers Fund allowed us to grow FungALL from a small idea into a thriving project,” said founder Thomas Cockroft. “We were proud to represent Manchester and show what was possible when young voices were heard and backed.”
This collaboration reflected Co-op Live’s wider mission: using live entertainment not only to bring world-class performances to Manchester, but also to create lasting social impact through every ticket sold.