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Donation Requests
Thank you for considering Whole Foods Co-op as a community partner. As a community-owned cooperative with over 14,000 Owners, we’re committed to supporting our neighbors who are striving to make Duluth and the Northland a better place to live.
Due to the volume of requests received, we are only able to fund requests that most directly align with priority areas, which are:
- Nurturing the Denfeld and Hillside neighborhoods of Duluth, MN
We are committed to building up and providing opportunities for connection in the communities around our neighborhood grocery stores. - Supporting a resilient food system that provides food access to all
We’re looking to support organizations devoted to providing immediate food access to people in our region, as well as organizations reducing barriers to food access through resources and education. We are also looking to strengthen the local food system directly, through supporting organizations focused on regional farming and food production. - Cooperation Among Cooperatives (Cooperative Principle #6)
We believe that when cooperatives do better, our community does better. We are committed to supporting fellow cooperative businesses, especially when their focus overlaps with our Ends.
We are proud to support events and nonprofits in different ways: silent auction donations, food donations and monetary donations. When you fill out the donation form, you’ll be asked to select which type of donation you’re looking for. More on each option is below. Having a community-focused event? We’d love to be considered to attend! – Please fill out our Event Request Form.
Applications are typically reviewed on the second Wednesday of every month and you should expect a response within a few business days after this review. Please submit requests at least six weeks prior to your event to allow for enough time for consideration and donation coordination.
There are a few other things you should know:
- Your organization should be a 501(c)(3) or other designated nonprofit organization.
If you are a for-profit farmer or food producer, check out our Grow Local Food Fund grant program! - Your group must directly serve Duluth, Minnesota, or the nearby region to be considered.
Programs directly serving the Hillside and Denfeld neighborhoods will receive priority.
Note: we are a two-store food cooperative in Duluth, MN. We are not the national chain, Whole Foods Co-op, owned by Amazon. - We do not fund political or religious programs, but may consider neutral programs hosted by political or religious organizations. For example:
We have donated to the League of Women Voters’ “Get Out the Vote” campaign, but not to a specific political party or candidate.
We have donated to Chum Food Shelf, but not to a specific church’s Sunday school program. - Typically, Whole Foods Co-op does not make multiple donations to the same organization within the same year.
- If you prefer to request a donation on paper, donation forms are available at both stores’ Customer Service Counters.
Donation Categories
When you fill out the donation form, you’ll be asked to select which type of donation you’re looking for.
Learn about the three options below, then submit your request.
Silent Auction Donation
Through our Silent Auction Donation program, Whole Foods Co-op donates hundreds of dollars a year in gift cards and merchandise to help raise money for nonprofits whose work aligns with our Ends. Our typical donation is a $50 gift card, tote bag, and additional merchandise, though a larger donation may be considered for events expecting 250+ people.
This donation package is only available for silent auctions. Staff and volunteer appreciation gifts are not a good fit for this program. Also, due to the volume of requests received, sports, scouts, booster programs, medical research philanthropy, and fundraisers that will benefit an individual or single family will not receive priority for donations.
Food Donation
We love sharing our great food! If you’re looking for a light breakfast, appetizers, fruit, sandwiches, or snacks to fuel your nonprofit’s next event, please apply.
Note that events that align with our Ends and donation priorities will receive priority.
Sponsorships / Monetary Support
Whole Foods Co-op is seeking true partners to help make our community a stronger place. It is our aim to not only monetarily support initiatives, but to also collaborate with our partners in their efforts to nurture our community. If you’re working on an initiative that overlaps with our End’s priority areas, please reach out to start a conversation around sponsorship.
Are you looking for a creative partnership? Please reach out to start a conversation!
GIVE! Community Support Program
Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for the GIVE! Community Support Program, which channels our community’s philanthropic spirit through round-up donations at our registers. Sign up for our email list to learn when the application window opens, usually in the summer.