community giving
DONATION PROGRAMS
our profits are your profits
Supporting local organizations and community initiatives are one of the ways our profits are reinvested back into the communities we live in. As our members continue to support our Co-op and we continue to grow – so does our ability to support all those organizations working to make our region a thriving place!
community giving
(Fiscal Year 2025)
$4000
in local
scholarships
$8000
in community grants
$180000
donated to local community
organizations
184
local organizations
supported
general donationgift card fundraiserssponsorshipscommunity grantsuse of outdoor areaorganization of the monthscholarships
general donation
Perfect for small, community fundraisers.
Are you looking for a donation for your fundraising campaign, or food to support volunteers at your event? This is the program for you! Gift baskets or gift cards can be used as a door prize or food donations can be requested to purchase snacks for a reception, food items for a community dinner, or to thank your volunteers.
Requests are granted on a first-come-first-served basis for this program. We have a monthly budget for this program so please apply with as much advance notice as possible. Please allow at least 10 days for us to process your application and respond to your request.
Deadline for Application:
This program is offered year round.
gift card fundraisers
Perfect for schools and organizations with an active membership base and a volunteer able to commit to the financial coordination.
Our Gift Card Program offers local community groups, schools and organizations the opportunity to raise money by selling Co-op gift cards. The Co-op donates 7% of the purchased card value to your organization.
Deadline for Application:
This program is available year round.
Please allow at least one week for us to process your order.
sponsorships
Perfect for larger funding requests and community wide events like festivals or tournaments
If you are looking for financial support for your not-for-profit organization, funding for a specific initiative, or are hosting a festival or tournament, ask us to sponsor! This is reserved typically for larger donation requests and often includes sponsorship recognition at the event.
Deadline for Application:
This program is offered year round.
community grants
Perfect for local organizations needing additional funding for community projects, programs or initiatives.
Our Community Grants Program offers grants, each valued up to $1,000, for projects or initiatives that help strengthen and support our local community. At least four grants are awarded two times a year for a minimum of 8 grants per year.
Deadline for Applications:
Applications are due on February 1st + August 1st.
use of outdoor area
Perfect for organizations that want to meet Co-op members in-person
A great opportunity to educate and engage with customers as they enter and exit our Co-op. This space can be booked by local not-for-profit organizations, service groups, schools and community programs for awareness-raising purposes, community fundraisers, or informational and educational purposes of a non-partisan nature.
Deadline for Application:
This program is available year round.
organization of the month
Perfect for local not-for-profit organizations looking to raise awareness and funds!
Each month, your co-op features a new local non-profit organization at the tills, with all till donations going directly to that group! People are reminded of your organization every time they walk through the tills, and a donation box makes it easy for anyone to pitch in for your cause.
In December, the Organization of the Month is also featured in a decorative seasonal card. Members can choose to support the organization by the usual till donations, or by purchasing one of the card designs. All proceeds are donated to the organization!
Are you part of a local not-for-profit organization hoping to be featured at our tills? Start by filling out the application form to get on the list for next year. We’ll get back to you in December to confirm your eligibility.
Deadline for Application:
November 15th for the following year’s schedule
scholarships
perfect for those continuing their education
Each year your Co-op offers up to $5,000 in scholarships for those in our community looking to gain knowledge and experience that leads to empowerment and change. Priority is given to studies in food & environment, health, community development, and cooperation.
There is no age restriction and all members, their children, staff members, and staff members children are eligible to apply. Applications are reviewed once annually in May.
Deadline for Application:
May 1st each year.
on-going community donation initiatives
Produce Donations
Nobody likes to see anything go to waste – especially if it’s something that can be eaten!
Every day of the week we donate the imperfect produce (ugly but delicious) to local organizations who focus on food insecurity in our communities. Last year this amounted to over $45,000 in food donated!
Community Donation Days
On Community Donation Days, your Co-op donates 3% of a day’s total sales to support a selected organization. In the past, donations from this day have added up to over $3,000! Member-owners get to support an outstanding organization just by shopping at your Co-op on Community Donation Days.
Community Donation Days happen twice a year. In April, the donations are put towards Kootenay Organic Growers Society (KOGS). This helps to ensure our local organic farmers have a dedicated organic certifying body available to them. In September, funding goes to Circle of Indigenous Nations Society (COINS), in recognition of Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Community Donation Day will be advertised in-store, in our newsletter, and on social media.
Holiday Giving
Every winter, your Co-op partners with local organizations to provide food for holiday meals + hampers. Because of this program, we can support those of us in the community who need it most during the holiday season. As part of this program we also donate vitamins to select organizations to support the individuals + families they work with.
Last year our Holiday Giving Program was able to donate over $20,000 in food and wellness items to various organizations in our area. This years donations went to Aimee Beaulieu Transition House, ANKORS, Kaslo Food Hub, Kootenay Kids, Nelson Community Food Centre, and W.E. Graham Community Services Society.
Our Holiday Giving efforts wouldn’t be possible without our members and the generosity of our suppliers who provide us with donations and discounts on items – Natural Factors, Organika, Horizon, UNFI and Discovery Organics were just a few of the suppliers who came together to support our program.
community organizations
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