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 Customer Experience Manager 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, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, disability, or any other category protected by 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 who engage with animals as part of achieving their mission must adopt a policy of humane animal treatment. The Co-op refrains from funding organizations that use animals for the purposes of product testing or other research.
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).
If your organization receives a donation, we will ask the person picking up the donation to provide identification to match the primary or secondary contact person listed in the donation request form.
Questions about Donation Requests or the form? Email Liz at l.hawley@willystreet.coop
