change matters Program

Change Matters generates funds for local, non-profit, and community-enrichment organizations through donations collected at the registers at both Wedge locations. Co-op shoppers are invited to round up their purchases to the next dollar every time they shop, and these small-change donations add up to impactful contributions. While we cannot guarantee a certain dollar amount will be raised across our two retail locations, we typically raise up to $10,000 each month. 100% of the donations go to our partner organizations. Through this program Wedge Community Co-ops seek to create meaningful, productive, and lasting partnerships with local organizations. Change Matters organizations are selected by a committee of Wedge Community Co-ops staff.

key initiatives

In 2025, we’re focusing our Change Matters efforts on these key initiatives:

• Empowering historically under-represented communities (people of color, refugees, immigrants, LGBTQ+, disabled, and elderly)
• Sustainability organizations that address climate change or sustainable practices
• Food orientated (food access, food education, hunger relief)
• Support local farming and farming organizations
• Housing and holistic services; ending homelessness

December 2025 will be owner choice month. Owners will vote on a slate of organizations, selecting one to be the recipient of December 2025 funds will be decided as a part of the 2025 Co-op Election. The slate for these votes will be determined by the Change Matters committee and co-op leadership.

applicant requirements

All applying organizations must have 501(c)(3) non-profit status and be aligned with one or more of our key initiatives listed above. They also must not have been a Change Matters Partner during the previous year (2024). Applicant organizations must be non-sectarian and non-partisan. Organizations must be local and impacting people within the neighborhoods surrounding our two retail locations – Lyndale and Linden Hills.

timeline

October 1, 2024- Applications open

November 1, 2024- Applications closed

Mid-December, 2024- Change Matters recipients notified

promotion

Our co-op promotes Change Matters and its partner organizations through our quarterly newsletter, website, email newsletter, social media, and in-store signage. Each organization is featured at the registers of both Wedge locations during their round-up month.

We look to our partner organizations to promote Change Matters through their outlets and encourage their supporters, clients, and members to shop our stores and round up during their month. Change Matters organizations commit to providing organization logos, content ideas, and photos to be used for in-store displays, signage, and social media.

product partners

We also partner with co-op vendors to support Change Matters through our Product Partners program. Each month, select co-op vendors donate a portion of their co-op sales to the featured Change Matters group. Change Matters groups are encouraged to work with their Product Partner to co-promote their featured month.