Making a Difference Locally

Making A Difference Locally (MADL) is a registered charity established in May 2008 to empower independent retailers supplied by Co-op Wholesale to support and strengthen their local communities.

MADL enables these retailers to make meaningful contributions to local charities and good causes—such as grassroots football teams, hospices, and a wide range of community organisations across the UK. By doing so, retailers not only give back to the areas they serve but also deepen their connection with the community around their stores.

Funds are primarily raised through the sale of Co-op and Heritage branded products, along with optional in-store initiatives such as donation tins and clothing banks. Each retailer decides which local cause they wish to support. They can track the funds they’ve accumulated via a secure, password-protected online portal. When ready to make a donation, they submit a request through MADL’s approval process. Once approved, the donation is issued directly to the chosen charity or cause.

To maintain transparency and compliance, all donations are subject to charitable governance, and each participating retailer must make at least one donation every 12 months.

Since its inception, MADL has supported hundreds of charitable initiatives across the UK. To learn more, please see our community section.