Seed Cooperative: Growing support for our community.
The idea is a simple one – twenty-five Norfolk businesses, each contributing the same amount every month to five local charities. A three-year commitment that provides real stability to plan and grow. Seed Cooperative was founded by business leaders Mark Loveday and James Ellis – both of whom have grown and sold companies here in Norfolk. They saw a better way to support the community that's supported us all.
Why it works
“We’re always asked to sponsor things,” says Bobby Burrage, our Creative Director. “You never really know what to support or when – it’s difficult because you instinctively want to help everyone but just can’t.”
The Seed Cooperative solves that. Five charities – city and rural, spanning different sectors. Monthly funding they can actually plan around.
“Most fundraising is temporary. A charity gets a pot of money, but it’s one-off. They can’t plan or think strategically.”
This flips it. Twenty-five businesses offering consistent funding over three years. The charities know what’s coming – they can use it for anything – even admin and keeping the lights on.
Seed Cooperative offers stability that changes everything.
In less than a year we've collectively invested over £100k.
Field of Joy expanded from survival mode to strategic growth. Home-Start Norfolk reached rural communities. Norwich Samaritans trained 80+ new volunteers. Open Road Norfolk‘s funding unlocked £93,000 more for a second training centre. Shrublands kept vital community groups running.
Our gift
We were able to support by creating the brand pro bono – an identity that shows 25 businesses linking forces. Norfolk Community Foundation handles distribution and compliance and the founding member businesses take turns to host events and socials. We meet three times a year with the other businesses and charities we support – for updates, connection and seeing how the money makes a real difference to people’s lives.
Norfolk has supported our business for years – so, for us, this is how we give back a little. “My hope is there’ll be a Seed 2.0 – another 25 businesses, another five charities. That this model spreads,” says Bobby.
Eight months in, this already feels like far more than a seed. It’s taken root.
Similar articles
Partners, clients and friends. One room, good coffee and another year of collaboration worth celebrating.
When our brand designer Elliot Moss stepped away from his desk last Friday, he was reminded of something fundamental about how we work, think, and create.
Author Sarah Herman explores how we blur work and play, champion our home city and have contributed to the rise of 'Brandland'.
To receive occasional studio updates including latest work, achievements and articles on branding, sign up here.