WedgeShare

In 1997, the Wedge Board of Directors created WedgeShare, a charitable giving program based on Cooperative principle #7: "While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members." WedgeShare is organized and directed by a committee of the co-op board of directors. Grant criteria were established by a committee made up of co-op members. The board committee screens proposals and the entire co-op membership votes to determine which organizations get grants.

Applying organizations should be non-partisan, non-sectarian, and engaged in activities related to:

• Environmental quality/protection/beautification;
• Natural health and wellness;
• Natural food and sustainable agriculture;
• Community involvement/capacity building; and/or
• Cooperative-related activities.

Types of programs and activities that WedgeShare has funded in the past include:

• Capital campaigns programs;
• Project development and training;
• Special events; and/or
• Start-up costs.

Grants are awarded using the following four criteria:

1. Alignment of the organization's mission with that of the Wedge;
2. Enthusiasm of our members for the mission (as expressed through voting);
3. Effectiveness of the organizations; and
4. The Wedge's potential impact on each organization (organization's total budget, access to other funding, etc.)

Grant Cycle:

The 2010 WedgeShare application cycle has begun. See "How to Apply" below, for details. Wedge Co-op member-owners will vote on a selected slate of organizations at the October 2010 Annual Meeting.

How to Apply:

1. Use the Minnesota Common Grant Form, available by downloading the form or calling the Minnesota Council of Foundations at 612-338-1989.
2. Complete the form (not to exceed 7 pages) and include:
• A 2-3 sentence description summarizing what your organization does.
• The specific dollar amount you are requesting in your grant (not to exceed $10,000).
• A 150-word narrative about your organization and how a WedgeShare grant would be used. This is important. The narrative will be printed in the October-November issue of our newsletter exactly as submitted. It is what our members will use to decide if you will receive their support.
3. Submit your original application with three (3) additional copies to The Wedge Community Co-op, 2105 Lyndale Avenue South, Attention: WedgeShare Committee, Minneapolis, MN 55405 by 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2010. This is the final date and time by which the application must be at the store, whether mailed or hand delivered.
4. In addition to including a written 150-word narrative with your application, please forward the narrative via email to: bodadmin@wedge.coop

Inquiries may be directed via email to bodadmin@wedge.coop or by calling 612-465-8857.