The Co-op Foundation

About The Co-op Foundation

Co-op Foundation is a UK grant-giving trust that champions youth-led social change. Their strategy, Building Communities of the Future Together, launched in 2022, was shaped with input from nearly 100 young people. It envisions fairer communities over the next decade, built on co-operative values.

Their strategic priorities focus on making communities:

  • Prosperous with access to opportunity
  • Safe and respected
  • Diverse, equitable, and inclusive
  • Healthy and sustainable
  • Centred on youth activism, shared power, and transparency

In 2022, Co-op Foundation awarded £3.4m to 69 partners across the UK.

The Challenge: A Need for a Scalable, Data-Driven System

Since 2018, Co-op Foundation has worked with Hyphen8 to enhance efficiency and scalability in its grant management processes. Initially, their grantmaking relied on labour-intensive manual workflows and siloed data, limiting their ability to scale.

More recently, they wanted to use Salesforce to improve DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) data tracking. With the release of the DEI Data Standard, Co-op Foundation sought a way to identify underrepresented communities and better target funding, ensuring it aligned with their goal of creating equitable communities.

"Hyphen8 have provided excellent support across our team as we evolve our data strategy. Our work on the DEI Data Standard is a key step towards ensuring funding goes to organisations best placed to support their communities."

— Louise Snelders, Head of Funding and Partnerships, Co-op Foundation

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Pain Points

Manual & Siloed Grant Management was slowing the organisation down from doing the work they wanted

  • Pain Bullet

    Manual & Siloed Grant Management

    • The previous system relied on manual processes, increasing administrative burden.
    • Limited scalability, making it harder to track funding impact.
  • Exclamation Bullet

    Lack of DEI Data Insights

    • No structured way to benchmark funding against sector-wide DEI data.

    • Difficult to identify underrepresented communities in funding reports.
  • Pain Bullet

    Need for Inclusive & Accessible DEI Data Collection

    • Required a user-friendly DEI form that applicants could easily engage with.

    • Needed to balance standardised taxonomy with funder-specific needs.

The Solution: A Flexible, Scalable Grant Management & DEI System

Hyphen8 implemented Salesforce as a core grant management system and developed a tailored DEI data solution for Co-op Foundation.

  • Rocket Bullet

    Streamlined Grant Management

    • Implemented Salesforce as a flexible, scalable platform.

    • Automated key processes, reducing admin work and improving efficiency.

    • Enabled seamless grant tracking, reporting, and engagement with grantees.
  • Rocket Bullet

    DEI Data Capture & Benchmarking

    • Designed a custom DEI form in collaboration with Co-op Foundation and the Funders Collaborative Hub.

    • Conducted usability testing with applicants to refine accessibility and clarity.

    • Integrated the DEI form into Salesforce, ensuring data is easily reportable and trackable.
  • Rocket Bullet

    DEI Accelerator for Sector Benchmarking

    • Developed a DEI Accelerator—a plug-in for structured DEI data capture in Salesforce.

    • Enables benchmarking against the sector and data-sharing with platforms like 360Giving.

    • Provides funders with clear visibility into underrepresented communities in their funding portfolio.

The Impact of working with Hyphen8

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DEI Data Captured
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Reporting ability
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Strategic Insights

The Impact: Data-Driven, Inclusive Grantmaking

Co-op Foundation now operates with greater efficiency, transparency, and equity, ensuring funding reaches those who need it most.

  • Smile Bullet

    Grantmaking Efficiency & Automation

    • Automated grant processes – Reduced administrative workload, allowing staff to focus on strategic impact.

    • Faster reporting – Real-time access to grant and DEI data, improving decision-making.

    • Reduced data entry time – Forms now automatically update Salesforce, cutting out manual input.
  • Tick Bullet

    Stronger DEI Insights & Benchmarking

    • Better DEI insights – Clearer understanding of underrepresented groups in funding data.

    • Sector-wide benchmarking – The DEI Accelerator enables comparison with other funders to assess progress.

    • Structured & shareable data – Supports transparency by integrating with external platforms like 360Giving.
  • Smile Bullet

    Improved Grantee & User Experience

    • Pre-filled forms & automated emails – Saves time for applicants and ensures smoother engagement.

    • Grantee reporting simplified – Applicants can submit updates more easily, reducing administrative effort.

    • DEI form optimised for accessibility – Ensuring inclusivity for all applicants and funders.
  • Tick Bullet

    Long-Term Strategic Insights

    • More effective funding distribution – The team can now track trends over time, ensuring grants align with evolving community needs.

    • Clearer governance data – Funders can now see how organisations are led and governed.

    • Enhanced collaboration – Strengthened ability to share insights and best practices across the funding sector

Making an impact

"Working with our partners to shape and test the DEI Data Standard was a powerful approach, professionally led by Hyphen8."

— Louise Snelders, Head of Funding and Partnerships, Co-op Foundation

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All data in one place as a central source of truth.
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Why Did You Choose Salesforce and Hyphen8?

Co-op Foundation partnered with Hyphen8 for their expertise in scalable grant management and DEI data solutions, ensuring they remain at the forefront of equitable, transparent, and impactful funding.