WedgeShare

The WedgeShare Program: In 1997, the Wedge Board of Directors created WedgeShare, a charitable giving program based on Cooperative principle #7, Concern for Community: "While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members." Presently the Wedge makes WedgeShare grants in amounts up to but not exceeding $10,000.00 to select organizations that are working to create a sustainable future. Types of programs and activities that WedgeShare will fund:

• General operating support
• Project/program support
• Start-up costs
• Technical assistance
• Capital
• Other

The Process: The WedgeShare Committee was established by the Board to oversee and direct this program. It annually screens proposals and selects a proposed slate of grantee organizations for Board approval. Once approved, the slate is presented to the entire co-op membership for a vote to determine the year's grant recipients.

The 2013 WedgeShare grant cycle ended April 25, 2013. Member-owners will vote on a selected slate of organizations during the 2013 October Annual Election. Please look for the 2014 WedgeShare application deadline in the February/March 2014 newsletter.

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

• Environmental quality/protection/education;
• Health and wellness;
• Organic and sustainable agriculture;
• Community involvement/capacity building; and/or
• Cooperative-related activities.

WedgeShare funding is for work beginning January 1, 2014 and checks are distributed in December 2013 so the majority of your proposed work must occur in calendar year 2014.

Applying organizations need not be 501c3 non-profits.

Judging Criteria: Grants and grant amounts are awarded using the following four criteria:

1. Application submitted on time and with all requested materials
2. Alignment with the purpose of the WedgeShare program;
3. Clearly defined goals and outcomes
4. Effective plan to achieve goals and outcomes
5. Well-defined evaluation strategy
6. Sufficient organizational structure to execute work
7. Financial viability of organization
8. Well-defined budget that is appropriate for the project
9. Potential impact of WedgeShare grant on organization;
10. If previously funded, report(s) submitted to WedgeShare committee indicate successful project completion (for organizations funded in 2011 and later)

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