Donations and Outreach

Donations Program

At The Merc Co+op, we are deeply committed to our communities and supporting the many organizations that make Lawrence and Kansas City great places to live. Each year we receive hundreds of requests for donations. Due to that volume, we require all applicants to fill out a Donation Request Form.

GUIDELINES

  • Requests may be made using the online Donation Request Form below. If there is a reason you cannot fill out this digital form, please contact us for an alternative form.

  • All completed request forms must be received at least two weeks prior to the need or event.

  • We will carefully consider your request and do the best we can to support your organization.

  • Please allow up to 7 business days for the co-op to respond to your request.

GIVING PRIORITIES

  • Preference will be given to local organizations that have not received donations from the co-op within the current fiscal year (July 1–June 30).

  • Preference will be given to non-profits rather than events fundraising for a non-profit.

  • The co-op is not in a position to assist individuals nor crowdfunding initiatives. Rather, we support the organizations established to help individuals in need.

  • Organizations who are chosen to be Change for our Community partners are not eligible for additional donations or sponsorships in the calendar year in which they are chosen.

  • The Merc Co+op will not support organizations that permit the exclusion of any group based on their race/ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or lifestyle.

  • Decisions on fulfilling donation requests are based on factors such as the group’s alignment with The Merc Co+op’s mission, the need, the number of people that would benefit from the donation and the funds available in our budget.


Outreach & Education

The Merc Co+op achieves our ends in part through our Education and Outreach efforts. We offer affordable educational experiences that promote fresh, local, sustainable and wholesome foods and food systems, as well as health and wellness, including

  • Hosting store tours and cooking classes,

  • Connecting community organizations with Co+op Class Presenters for personalized programming,

  • Participating in health fairs, community and business development events, and

  • Donating to local organizations

If you or your organization are interested in working with us or one of our presenters, please complete and submit the form at the button below, and our staff will be in touch!


Partners

The Merc Co+op partners with a variety of businesses and organizations. Through contributions, outreach and presence, we support their work to sustain, nourish, and empower our regional communities.


Partners In the Community


Change for our Community

Change for our Community gives shoppers the opportunity to donate their spare change to local organizations every time they shop. Each month, a different organization is featured as the recipient, and 100% of all donations collected go to that specific organization. In fiscal year 2022, we—as a co-op community—raised $78,617. Since the program began in January 2014, we have raised $659,736.