Seeds for Change
Round-up program
Our Seeds for Change Round-up Program is a community-giving opportunity that allows shoppers to ‘round up’ their Co-op purchases to the nearest dollar. We take those extra cents and give them directly to local organizations that are doing important work to better our community. A different nonprofit organization is selected to benefit from the round ups each month.
The Co-op dedicates two round-up months to Food for People and the Co-op Pumpkin Patch. The remaining ten months of the year are available through an annual application process.
2026 Seeds for Change Recipients
January
February
June
Co-op Pumpkin Patch
September
November
December
Seeds for Change Application
Non-profit organizations can apply to be considered for the Co-op’s Seeds for Change Round-Up Program every September.
- Registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, or federally recognized tribal governments (sorry, no schools or government agencies.)
- Based in the communities served by the North Coast Co-op (Humboldt County) and funding is for projects that serve our community.
- Funds must be used in non-sectarian and non-partisan ways.
- The same organization cannot participate two years in a row.
Apply for the 2027 Seeds for Change program September 1 through September 30.
application FAQ
Do we have to be a 501(c)(3) to qualify?
Applicants are required to be a 501(c)(3) organization (sorry, no schools). Additionally, federally recognized tribal governments may apply.
Can an organization be a Seeds for Change recipient two years in a row?
No. If your organization is a Seeds for Change recipient in 2026, it is not eligible to apply again until September 2027.
How much can your organization expect to make in a month?
Organizations raise between $7,000-$10,000 per month.
What can Seeds for Change funding be used for?
There are no requirements regarding how the Seeds for Change funds are used as long as you use them locally for your organization and the funds support your mission statement.
How are organizations selected?
Organizations are chosen by the Co-op’s ownership. All qualified applicants are put on a list, and Co-op owners vote for their favorite ten. Voting starts at the end of October. Promoting your organization during the voting period is very important to attempt to get enough votes to win.
If our organization is selected, how is our partnership month decided?
The months of June and December are pre-determined. The ten organizations selected by the Co-op ownership will randomly be assigned to a month.
What does your organization need to do during your Seeds for Change month?
- We expect organizations to promote this opportunity by helping to get the word out about this program. This includes emailing your supporters, sharing our social media posts, promoting them in a newsletter, etc.
- We request you create a short video to promote your Seeds for Change month to post on the Co-op's social media channels. We will supply instructions for all recipients.
- We recommend a donation to each store to be used as a prize incentive. This is a way to encourage cashiers to ask shoppers to round up. This can be in the form of a gift card, schwag from your organization, or any other creative prize. Think of this as a small fundraising investment that also shows your appreciation for Co-op staff.
- Tabling in front of either store is highly recommended. Contact emilywalter@northcoast.coop to schedule.
When are the Seeds for Change funds available?
Funds are usually available 3-4 weeks after your Seeds for Change month has ended. We need this time to reconcile our sales and then a check is sent to the organization.
If you have any questions, please contact Emily Walter at coopdonations@northcoast.coop, or call (707) 822-5947 ext. 236.