Part of being a cooperative business means we are committed to our community and have a budget for donations and sponsorships. We donate to as many groups as possible on a first come first served basis, and wish we could donate to everyone, but funds are limited.

We are happy to consider requests for donations and sponsorships from any local, non-profit group or event. Please submit your requests as far in advance as possible; two weeks is best for a typical donation ($20 gift certificate that can be used as an auction item or used to purchase food or other products). Several months is best for sponsorships, which are reviewed monthly for events that are three to four months out.

Please submit your request in writing and leave at Customer Service in either store or email to Bella Waters. We look forward to hearing your requests!

Your small change can make a big difference for our community! You can now round up your purchase to the nearest dollar and we’ll donate the difference to the Cooperative Community Fund (CCF). See below for more about CCF.

What is CCF?
CCF is a collection of funds where the fund’s appreciation/earnings are gifted to local non-profit organizations annually through a granting process. Co-op employees, members, and shoppers for the past 21 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 for special community projects each year.

Mission
"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.”

How does CCF support the Community?
CCF makes grants to nonprofit tax-exempt organizations and/or public schools on an annual basis. The current focus for CCF grants are projects that address at least one of the three following areas:

Sustainable Agriculture
Food Security (defined as the access to a safe supply of quality food to all aspects of a community)
Food Nutrition and Education

How to Apply
Complete the application process using the Granting Guidelines (PDF). The deadline to apply for 2012 was November 1. The next grant round will be in the fall of 2013. Groups applying are notified in December and checks are awarded in January at a check ceremony. A reporting form, including photos, is due at the completion of each funded project. CCF Reporting Form for 2011-2012 (PDF).

For more information, contact Bella Waters, CCF Liaison at (707) 826-8670 ext. 135.