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 has funded in the past include:

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

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 2012 WedgeShare application cycle has begun. Applications are due by Thursday, March 8, 2012. See "How to Apply" below, for details. Wedge Co-op member-owners will vote on a selected slate of organizations during the October 2012 Annual Election.

Eligibility: 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.

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

1. Alignment with the purpose of the WedgeShare grant;
2. Effectiveness of the organization;
3. Potential impact of WedgeShare grant on organization;
4. Enthusiasm of Wedge member-owners for the mission (as expressed through voting results)

How to Apply:

1. Use the Minnesota Common Grant Form, available by downloading or calling the Minnesota Council of Foundations at 612-338-1989.
2. Include the following four components as specified on the Common Grant Form website for the body of your application. Please use the Common Grant Form suggested format and do not exceed eight (8) pages total. If desired, you may include a cover letter.
   • MN Common Grant Cover Sheet
   • Project Narrative
   • Organization Budget
   • Project Budget
3. In order for your proposal to be complete, please label and include the following attachments or provide explanation for excluded attachments:
   • Most recent financial statements, preferably audited (Form 990 not required)
   • Additional funders
   • List of board members and their affiliations
   • Relevant organization or project staff
   • Copy of current IRS Determination Letter
   • Copy of Fiscal Agent Agreement (if applicable)
4. Submit four (4) full copies of your total grant package by Thursday, March 8, 2012 to the address below. This is the final date by which the application must be at the store, whether mailed or hand delivered. An email will be sent confirming receipt of your application.
   
   The Wedge Community Co-op
   Attention: WedgeShare Committee
   2105 Lyndale Avenue South
   Minneapolis, MN 55405
   
   
5. Separately, send an email to: bodadmin@wedge.coop with a 150 word descriptive narrative about your organization and how a WedgeShare grant would be used. This narrative will be printed in the October-November issue of our newsletter exactly as submitted should your organization be selected for the slate of nominee organizations. Our members will use this information for the selected organizations during the Annual Election to decide which organizations will receive their support.

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