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!
donations made in 2023
$4000
in local
scholarships
$8000
in community grants
$137305
donated to local community
organizations
130
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.
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 $500, for projects or initiatives that help strengthen and support our local community. Four grants are awarded each quarter for a total of 16 grants per year.
Deadline for Applications:
Applications are due on February 1st, May 1st, August 1st and November 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 14th for the following year’s schedule
scholarships
perfect for those continuing their education
Each year your Co-op offers up to $3000 in scholarships for those in our community looking to gain knowledge and experience that leads to empowerment and change.
This scholarship is awarded in May for post-secondary education. Priority is given to studies in food & environment, health, community development, and cooperation, but we invite applications from all disciplines within our community. There is no age restriction and all members, their children, staff members, and staff members children are eligible to apply.
Deadline for Application:
May 1st each year.
on-going community donation initiatives
Milk Token Program
Looking for an easy and convenient way to make a difference? Donate your milk tokens!
The next time you return your Kootenay Meadows or Stoke Juice bottles, you can donate your $2 deposit to local food banks. 100% of donations get distributed equally among Nelson Community Food Centre, Our Daily Bread, + St. Saviour Food Pantry.
Little acts have big impacts – last year members donated over $3,600 through the milk token program – that is a huge boost to our local food banks!
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 almost $2,500! 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, donations are in support of the Orange Shirt Society, 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.
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 almost $50,000 in food donated!
Vitamin Program
Every winter, your Co-op partners with Natural Factors to donate approximately $2,000 worth of vitamins and supplements to local non-profit ANKORS. These vitamins and supplements go to those living with or are at the greatest risk of acquiring HIV/AIDS and/or Hepatitis C including those who have difficulty obtaining services elsewhere, due to substance use, mental illness, sexual orientation, gender identity, race and ethnicity, and/or other social barriers.
As part of this program with Natural Factors, we also supply Kootenay Kids with high-quality prenatal vitamins, kids multivitamins, and vitamin D to support local kids and moms-to-be.
