Cooperative Community Fund
The Cooperative Community Fund (CCF) is a permanent endowment established and directed by members of North Coast Co-op, which awards grants to support projects and the work of community organizations in Humboldt County. Through collaborative grant-making, the Cooperative Community Fund seeks to strengthen the community by emphasizing projects and activities that promote sustainable agriculture, food nutrition and education, and food security.
The Cooperative Community Fund has granted more than $594,000 in funds to community projects since it was founded in 1990. Past grant recipients include Food for People, Healy Senior Center, LatinoNet, Dream Quest and the Boys & Girls Club of the Redwoods.
Ways to Support the Fund
Paper Bag Charge
Since 2011, North Coast Co-op has charged 10¢ for paper bags to encourage the use of reusable bags. This effort has reduced paper bag use by 80%. All bag charges are donated to the Cooperative Community Fund.
Direct Donation
Make a tax-deductible donation direct to the Cooperative Community Fund online through the Humboldt Area Foundation.
CCF Grants
Since 1990, North Coast Co-op has been awarding Cooperative Community Fund grants to nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, public benefit organizations (public schools, government agencies, federally recognized tribal governments), and community groups with a qualified fiscal sponsor.
Grant sizes range from $500-$3,000 and are granted to projects that address at least one of the following:
Community Supportive Services
Projects that focus on supportive services for diverse communities within Humboldt County, including BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, and low-income communities.
Local Food Systems
Projects supporting local food systems and increasing the availability of locally grown food within Humboldt County.
Educational Programs Focused on Food
Projects providing educational services around food, including food systems, health, and nutrition
Sustainability Implementation and Education
Projects that promote or implement sustainable systems and practices, including waste reduction, renewable energy, and alternative transportation.
Cooperatives
Projects supporting co-op organizations, co-op development, co-op education, etc.
Grant applications are accepted once each year, typically from January through March, with funding decisions announced in early summer.
If you have any questions, please contact at Emily Walter ccf@northcoast.coop, or call (707) 822-5947 ext. 236.
Grant Committee
The Cooperative Community Fund Grant Committee oversees the annual grant process, reviewing applications and recommending how funds are distributed. The committee is made up of up to five North Coast Co-op owners in good standing. Co-op owners can apply each year to serve on the Grant Committee. Selected volunteers review applications and help guide funding toward projects that best support our community.
Applications to join the committee are typically open in January.
If you have any questions, please contact at Emily Walter ccf@northcoast.coop, or call (707) 822-5947 ext. 236.