Empowering change with support from The Co-operative Bank’s Customer Donation Fund

We’re delighted to announce that we’ve been awarded funding through The Co-operative Bank’s Customer Donation Fund. We’re deeply appreciative of this support at such a critical stage in our ten-year campaign for gender equality across Greater Manchester.

In its message to us, The Co-operative Bank highlighted the extraordinary volume of applications received this year and the inspiring stories behind the UK’s community initiatives. To have been selected among them is important recognition of the tireless work our trustees, volunteers, partners and supporters continue to do to improve the lives of women and girls throughout the region.

Lisa Galley, Head of Business Banking at The Co-operative Bank, said: “Our Customer Donation Fund is designed to recognise the extraordinary work that our customers do in their communities through small grants that help them to further their work. We’re proud to stand with GM4Women2028 and their important campaign to achieve gender equality across our home city.”

The Co-operative Bank’s donation will directly strengthen our efforts to build a fairer, safer and more equal Greater Manchester by 2028 – ensuring our message reaches a wider audience and that female voices are heard across every neighbourhood.

A message from our Convenor, Helen Pankhurst CBE: “We’re incredibly grateful to The Co-operative Bank for this contribution. As we enter the final years of our decade-long campaign, the ability to amplify our message – louder, wider and with greater urgency – is vital. This funding will help broaden our reach, strengthen our engagement, and ensure that the voices and experiences of women and girls keep shaping our region’s future. Support like this makes a real difference to the pace and impact of our work.”

Why this funding matters

This financial assistance arrives at a pivotal moment. It’ll support:

• Awareness raising about gender inequality in the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester – especially where gaps persist.

• Community outreach to better understand the lived experiences and ongoing challenges of local women and girls.

• Campaign, event and news amplification as we push towards our 2028 gender equality goals.

• Collaboration with partners, media and the public to keep gender equality firmly on the regional agenda.

With three years remaining to achieve the commitments set out when our campaign launched in 2018, this backing strengthens our ability to drive change and maintain momentum.

A shared commitment to ethical, community-first values

The Co-operative Bank’s emphasis on social responsibility – and its spotlighting of the importance of grassroots initiatives – mirrors our own belief that meaningful progress requires collective effort.

Thank you

We extend our sincere thanks to The Co-operative Bank for this generous and timely aid. Together, we can continue driving the change needed to make Greater Manchester a better place for women and girls.