Cooperative Principle #7 is Concern for the Community. While focusing on Owner needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their Owners. You can do something for the community even as you keep succeeding. Your Co-op participates in community efforts in a variety of ways.
Willy Street Co-op has an agreement with Community Shares of Wisconsin that the Community CHIP program is the primary year-round benefactor of the Co-op’s register campaigns. Register campaigns are defined as charitable causes that cashiers ask customers to contribute to at checkout. Occasionally, and for not longer than six weeks per campaign, the Co-op will request that Community CHIP share register campaign time with other local causes or to assist with global natural disaster relief. The Co-op will not conduct more than two register campaigns at one time.
In the event of a natural disaster, the Co-op will support other groups in need of assistance when possible. For special local fundraising, we will do our best to support 501( c )3 nonprofits, 170( c )(1) government entities, or Wis. Chapter 185 cooperative groups that are outside of Community Shares of Wisconsin if the fundraising aide requested is designed to support the general public and addresses specific issues that relate directly to our mission or ends.
All requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Co-op refrains from fundraising for individuals. Co-op management reserves the right to accept or deny any request for any reason as well as to determine the type, amount and channel by which to deliver assistance with a preference for making as direct a donation to the end-users as possible.
Donations Budget Policy and Principles
The primary purpose of Willy Street Co-op’s donations is to provide Co-op food and/or merchandise to local nonprofits that are working to improve our community. A secondary purpose of the program is to make Co-op funds available to not-for-profit groups for special projects and fundraising efforts. We recognize the support role the Co-op can play to encourage and foster neighborhood development.
The donations budget is administered by the Director of Cooperative Services and is renewed annually on our July—June Fiscal Year. Funds for donations are capped quarterly to ensure funding is available throughout the year.
Criteria
Non-Discrimination
Groups making requests must be nondiscriminatory. Any form of discrimination based on age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or atheism, national or ethnic origin or ancestry, citizenship status, political beliefs, veteran status, disability status, marital status, source of income, arrest record, conviction record, less than honorable discharge, physical appearance, genetic identity, familial status, student status, domestic partner status, receipt of rental assistance, refusal to disclose a social security number, homelessness, unemployment status, or any other category protected by local, state, or federal law is contrary to the principles and policies of Willy Street Co-op.
Priority
Priority is given to the following groups: 501( c ) 3 charitable organizations, 170( c )(1) government entities (such as public schools), and cooperative businesses.
Donations are generally considered on a first come, first served basis. When multiple groups request contributions during the same period, priority is given to those who demonstrate a greater need.
Groups involved with multiple events and projects are strongly encouraged to request a lump-sum for all of the events and projects to occur from July to June. Priority is given to organizations who have not already received funding from the Co-op within a given fiscal year.
The Co-op supports fundraising, development, and educational projects or events that are consistent with the Co-op’s bylaws, ends policies, and goals. Priority is given to projects and events that benefit the public, though private events that also benefit the community may also be supported.
Disqualified Requests
Organizations that engage with animals as part of achieving their mission must adopt a policy of humane animal treatment. Requests for donations and/or sponsorships that will directly fund animal tests for the purposes of product testing or other research are disqualified.
The Co-op refrains from fundraising for or contributing to third-party charitable efforts and/or individuals.
Process
Requests must be made at least three weeks prior to funding.
Requests shall be accepted via the Co-op’s online donation form only, with any supplementary materials uploaded as PDF, DOC, DOCX (maximum file size 1.5MB).
Questions about Donation Requests or the form? Email Liz at l.hawley@willystreet.coop
Make a Request
