Seward Co-op launched the Seward Co-op Community Fund (SCCF) in 2005 as an endowment fund to which individuals may donate money that will, in turn, earn interest. The fund is sponsored by Seward Co-op and administered by Twin Pines Cooperative Foundation (TPCF). TPCF invests the assets primarily in cooperative development funds, credit unions and local community-owned banks that support cooperatives. As the fund grows, the interest earned is given to nonprofits and/or cooperatives in our community.
The establishment of the SCCF embodies Seward Co-op's commitment to continue to grow not just as a business, but also as a resource that takes the concerns of our community to heart and to action.
Grants funded by SCCF are awarded annually. Applications are reviewed by the co-op grant committee and recipients are announced by the annual membership meeting in October. The deadline for applications is June 30. All recipients must be registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations. Grant amounts typically range from $500 to $1,000. The Board of Directors will determine if there are sufficient funds to support the program by May 1 of each year. Grants are given to organizations that fit our mission and are engaged in one or more of the following activities:
- Environmental projects focusing on protection and/or beautification
- Sustainable agriculture programs
- Cooperative related activities
- Community development and capacity building
In addition, priority will be given to organizations that:
- Are based in the communities served by Seward Co-op
- Use the funding for specific projects or events rather than promotions or operations
- Represent secular and nonpolitical organizations
- Are able to use the Seward Co-op grant to leverage funding from other granting organizations
If you are interested in applying for a grant, please complete the application below and drop it off at the Customer Service desk or mail it to the store, Attn: Seward Co-op Community Fund. Be sure to include all attachments listed on the application form. Download application here (80Kb/PDF)
