Co-op Live’s Annual £1 Million Donation to Co-op Foundation Supporting Youth-Led Social Change

FungALL among first wave of projects backed by Young Gamechangers Fund empowering young leaders in Manchester and beyond

Image: FungALL co-founders, Thomas Cockroft (left) and Norton Robinson (right).

Co-op Live, the UK’s largest indoor arena, is marking its first year with a major milestone – the first in an annual donation of £1 million to its official charity partner, the Co-op Foundation.

The partnership sees a percentage of all ticket sales, partner and premium revenue go directly towards supporting young people and communities across the UK. The £1 million donation is helping to fund vital initiatives, including the Foundation’s Young Gamechangers Fund, which awards grants of up to £20,000 directly to young people aged 10 to 25 who are leading projects that drive positive social change.

One of the young changemakers supported by the fund is Thomas Cockroft, one of the founders of FungALL – a community organisation based in Manchester that uses the power of mushrooms and nature to engage young people in sustainability, mental wellbeing, and environmental activism. Led by local youth, FungALL exemplifies how the Young Gamechangers Fund is empowering grassroots leadership and creating meaningful local impact.

Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Co-op Live, said: “From the start, Co-op Live has been about more than world-class entertainment. Our partnership with Co-op Foundation is helping ensure every gig makes a difference. We’re delighted to deliver on our first annual donation of £1 million to the Co-op Foundation, and even prouder to see the impact in action through projects like FungALL.”

Nick Crofts, Chief Executive at Co-op Foundation, added: “Young people have bold ideas and deep-rooted passion to build fairer, more sustainable communities. Thanks to the support from Co-op Live and our partners on the Young Gamechangers Fund, we’re backing them with the funding and platform they need to turn vision into reality. FungALL is a brilliant example of what happens when young people are given the support they need to lead.”

Thomas Cockroft, Founder at FungALL, also commented: “Support from the Young Gamechangers Fund has allowed us to grow FungALL from a small idea into a thriving project. We’re using fungi to spark conversations around climate action, mental health and community connection. We’re proud to represent Manchester and show what’s possible when young voices are heard and backed.”

Expanding their commitment to the Co-op Foundation, Co-op Live will also be incorporating FungALL’s own grown mushrooms into special pizzas served in the Co-op Backstage Club during Billie Eilish’s run of shows this July as part of the venue’s fully plant-based food offering, in line with the artist’s commitment to climate action and sustainability. This initiative is bringing together young talent, sustainable food innovation and live music under one roof.

The annual £1 million donation is part of Co-op Live’s long-term commitment to using live entertainment as a force for good. As a venue built on values, Co-op Live is proud to work with Co-op Foundation to invest in the next generation, champion youth-led change, and support fairer, more equitable communities in Manchester and across the UK.

The Young Gamechangers Fund is a partnership fund led by Co-op Foundation with funding from Co-op, Co-op Live and #iwill fund.

Find out more about the Co-op Foundation at https://www.coopfoundation.org.uk/about-us/co-op-live/