Donation Programs at the Co-op
At Berkshire Food Co-op, we believe in giving back to the community. After all, we were created by the community and our success should be everyone's success. Through charitable donations, we turn financial profit into meaningful assistance for local organizations that make life better in southern Berkshire county and the surrounding region. Each year we give back more than $20,000 to our community through our Round Up for Change and Real Good Giving programs.
Doing REAL GOOD is a core tenet of our Co-op values. That’s why every customer, every day is asked if they’d like to round up their total to the nearest dollar so their spare change can MAKE BIG CHANGE in our community. Each year, there are twelve recipient organizations that have been democratically selected by our Owners and each month one of those organizations will receive the money raised through our ROUND UP FOR CHANGE program.
As decided by the Owners who voted at the 2023 annual meeting, the organizations that will benefit from your spare change in 2024 are listed below.
Is there an organization you’d like to see on the ballot at the next annual meeting Nominate them now and we’ll put them on the ballot!
Here are the 2024 Round Up Recipients!
We believe in supporting our community.
The Real Good Giving program is a charitable, democratically-run program led by members of our staff representing almost every department of the Co-op. Through charitable donations, we turn financial profit into meaningful assistance for local non-profit organizations that enhance southern Berkshire county and the surrounding region.
What you need to Know
Your organization may be eligible for a Real Good Giving donation if:
You’re local. We define local as being located within 100 miles of the Co-op.
You’re a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
The mission of your organization aligns with Berkshire Food Co-op’s Ends.
We give equal consideration to all eligible requests.
We will consider supporting events held by individuals, partisan organizations, or organizations that advance any particular religious beliefs if the event is open to the ALL in the southern Berkshire county community.
Past support of your organization or event is not a guarantee of future support. While we would love to continue long traditions of supporting your organization, we also want to be fair.
Due to the volume of applications and the nature of limited budgets, it is not possible for Real Good Giving to fulfill every request for help.
We understand that things come up. Unfortunately, we cannot expedite or make exceptions for requests made after the applicable deadlines. Please submit your application on time.
In receiving a donation, your organization is agreeing to co-marketing opportunities which may include your displaying of the Berkshire Food Co-op logo on printed material, websites, mentions on social media. As well as Berkshire Food Co-op using your logo on social media and in print. We’ll be sure to tell people who you are and what your awesome organization does.
Deadlines
Small Donations ($1-$99) The Co-op sets a monthly budget to be distributed as smaller donations, available by request. Such requests should be received by the 15th of the month prior to the date needed or date of the event. Applicants will be notified by the the first day of the month following the receipt of their request.
For example: A completed application should be submitted by September 15 for an event held on October 31. Notification will be delivered by October 1.
Large Donations ($100+) We also set an annual budget for larger donations to community partners and events. These donations are awarded on a quarterly basis.
Sound good?
We love that people consider us an essential part of the community! That’s why organizations like to table at the Co-op. It’s a great way to spread the word about the work you’re doing to make life in the Berkshires better!
APPLY NOW!
In our continued effort to give back to our wonderful community, we are introducing Nickel Back Thursdays!
One Thursday a quarter, 5% of our net sales for an entire day will be donated to a local organization!
On Thursday, June 13th, we donated 5% of sales to The Center for Peace Through Culture!
We present art and cultural experiences that open pathways to more peaceful lives and connected communities.
We believe peaceful communities need a common ground; we offer that space. We are tuned in to the needs of the community and are quick on the draw to offer an event, educational discussion, workshop, or gathering space to meet those needs.
Our Arts 4 Us program makes sure if someone wants to access arts & cultural events in the Berkshires, they can - and they have folks to do it with.
Our gallery exhibitions are all juried by open calls for art - No discrimination and no bias.
Our community class program offers economic support - If paying the registration fee causes financial stress or hardship - no problem - we want to support anyone to participate and offer sliding scale prices or other opportunities.
We provide opportunities for participants to have agency in our programs.
Students in classes might be leaders or teachers in others; audience members can also be center-stage; neighbors are also muralists for our community initiatives.
Do you have an idea about who else we should give a Nickel Back to? Let us know here!