North Coast Co-op Donations

Part of being a cooperative business means we are committed to our community and each store has a budget for food donations. We are happy to consider requests for donations and sponsorships from any local, non-profit group or event. Please submit your request in writing to Customer Service at either store. For small donations, please submit your requests as far in advance as possible. We donate to as many groups as possible on a first come first served basis, but funds are limited. We consider our sponsorships quarterly so please plan accordingly. You can also fax requests to 707 826-8666, attention Melanie Bettenhausen.

About the CCF

The Co-op established a fund in 1990 to provide financial support to the agricultural, artistic, athletic and educational endeavors of the local community. The Fund is administered through Humboldt Area Foundation. The goal was to build the Fund until the interest alone covers 100% of the Co-op's annual community donations.

The Fund started with a modest $1,000, but thanks to contributions over the years -- especially from Co-op owners -- the Fund has increased to a collection of six funds totaling a little over $600,000. The funds grew thanks to the generosity of the Co-op members, employees, and shoppers. For more information, contact Melanie Bettenhausen, CCF Liaison at 826-8670 #132.

How is CCF Funded?

Contributions to CCF come from a variety of sources, such as tax deductible cash donations sent directly to CCF, (c/o Humboldt Area Foundation, 373 Indianola Road, Bayside, CA 95524), automatic 1% member contributions, and donations through the Register Donation Program (RDP). Co-op shoppers pick a non-profit group's program number to make a 1% donation to. The cashier will automatically add 1% to their grocery bill and designate it to that selected group.

Of course, you can always just write a check to the Cooperative Community Fund at PO Box 750, Arcata, CA 95518 or call (707) 826-8670 ext. 132.

How does CCF support the Community?
FFA Group
CCF is a collection of funds where the fund’s appreciation/earnings are gifted to local non-profit organizations. Co-op employees, members, and shoppers for the past 17 years have given donations directly to CCF to build the endowment, which in turn enables the Fund to underwrite local projects. The funds are distributed as grant awards and special community projects each year.

In developing the grant program, CCF’s goal was to award projects that fulfill its mission. CCF’s Mission Statement reads:
"The Cooperative Community Fund (CCF) is a permanent endowment established and directed by members of the North Coast Cooperative, which awards grants to support projects and the work of community organizations in Humboldt County. Through collaborative grant making the Fund seeks to strengthen the community by emphasizing projects and activities that promote democratic cooperative principles, community development and food security.”

Guidelines to apply for funds are available each September. The deadline to receive proposals for consideration is October 1st.

Organizations that received grant awards 2007-2008:

$2,000	Humboldt All Faith Partnership	Arcata Night Shelter Washer and Dryer
$ 1,500	Arcata High School	Sald Bar Option in the Cafeteria
$ 2,000	California Indian Basketweavers Association	Kin-tah-te Community Demonstration Garden Project
$ 1,500	CASA of Humboldt	Six burner stove & exhaust hood
$ 700	Future Farmers of America	Cooperative Marketing Tests
$ 1,000	Humboldt Community Access & Resource Center	Experiential Nutrition Education
$ 1,500	Humboldt Handmade	Family Share Gardening Project
$ 1,000	Manila Community Services	Penninsula Nutrition/Fitness Project
$ 750	Mid Klamath Wathershed Council	Panamnik Building Project
$ 500	Northern California Indian Development Council	Elders Dinner & Tribal Gathering
$ 1,000	South Bay Union School District	NutritionFair & Winter Break Food
$ 2,000	Souther Humboldt Unified School District	Club's Cafe Salad Bar
$ 1,500	Trinidad Union School District	School Garden Expansion
$ 2,000	Zoe Barnum High School	Organic Garden Project
$18,950	Total

Tax-exempt organizations providing services in Humboldt County are eligible to apply to be approved for the Register Donation Program. Each year, the Gifting Committee of CCF approves 30 organizations to participate in receiving donations at the register. By applying and being approved to participate, groups allow the Co-op to add 1% to a shopper's grocery bill. The funds collected are held for each specific group with donations distributed at least twice in the program year.

Co-op shoppers pick a program number for the group they want to donate to and the cashier takes care of the rest. The cashier will enter that number into the register and 1% will automatically be added to the shopper's transaction. All 1% donations will be added to each group's 1% account and 100% of those funds will be released.

The Gifting Committee meets each year to determine the criteria for the next year's Register Donation Program. Applications will be available in both stores and online starting in the spring and the deadline is June 1st.

Click here to look up info on current program participants.

Click here to apply.