North Coast Co-op Donations

Part of being a cooperative business means we are committed to our community and each store has a budget for donations. We are happy to consider requests for donations and sponsorships from any local, non-profit group or event. Please submit your request in writing and leave at Customer Service in either store or fax to (707) 826-8666 or email to Melanie Bettenhausen. Please submit your requests as far in advance as possible; two weeks is best for donation requests under $100. We donate to as many groups as possible on a first come first served basis, but funds are limited. We consider sponsorships monthly for events that are three to four months out, so please plan accordingly.

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 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).

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?
FFA Group
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 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.”

Organizations that received grant awards 2009-2010:

$2,100	Jacoby Creek Land Trust	Mobile Poultry Processing Facility
$ 2,000	Arcata House	Emergency Food Pantry for Families
$ 2,000	Big Lagoon School	Vegetable Garden
$ 2,000	Coastal Grove Charter School	Emandal Environmental Education Farm Program
$ 2,000	Northern California Indian Development Council	Inter-Tribal Elders Dinner
$ 2,000	North Coast Resource Center	New Directions Program
$ 2,000	Six Rivers Running Club	Running Shoe Fund Scholarships
$1,415	Creekside Learning Cooperative	“Grow Our Lunch” Program
$750	Future Farmers of America	Cooperative Marketing Contest
$16,265	Total

CCF Reporting Form for 2009 (PDF)

Tax-exempt organizations providing services in Humboldt County are eligible to apply for the Register Donation Program (RDP). Every other year, the Gifting Committee of CCF selects organizations to participate in receiving donations at the register.

Shoppers tell their cashiers which group they would like to donate to and how much. The cashier adds that amount to the shopper's grocery bill. The funds collected are held for each specific group with donations distributed twice a year.

The next opportunity to apply for the Register Donation Program will be in 2011. Applications will be posted here Spring 2011. If you have questions, contact Melanie Bettenhausen at (707) 826-8670 ext. 132.