The Give Where You Live Campaign is a national effort to support food cooperatives across the U.S. in building local Cooperative Community Funds.
Sponsored by the Twin Pines Cooperative Foundation, each fund will serve as a means for co-op members and shoppers to make donations to an endowment that donates to local non-profit organizations.
The interest earned by each Fund will be given annually to local groups working on issues relating to sustainable agriculture and organic food, hunger and social issues, environmental protection and cooperatives.
The Give Where You Live Campaign represents each Co-op's special effort to give back to those deserving--and hard working--groups that build community.
Give Where You Live! Because great organizations begin here.
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 ext. 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. 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? 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.