Call for WedgeShare Applications - 2010 Grants Available

By Sarah Wovcha, WedgeShare Committee of the Board of Directors

The Wedge is soliciting grant applications from organizations that work for sustainable development through environmental, natural health, natural food or cooperative-related activities. If you work for or know of any organizations that fit one or more of these criteria, we encourage you to let them know of the availability of this year's WedgeShare grants.

What is WedgeShare? WedgeShare is a charitable giving program created by the Wedge Co-op Board of Directors in 1997. It is based on Cooperative Principle #7: Concern for Community, which states: "While focusing on member needs, cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies accepted by their members."

Each year, the Wedge makes grants to select organizations working for a sustainable future. In 2008, Wedge member-owners selected thirteen organizations: Emergency Foodshelf Network, Cornucopia Institute, Youth Farm and Market Project, Farmers' Legal Action Group, Universal Health Care Action Network of Minnesota, Windustry, Southside Family Charter School, Community Design Center of Minnesota, Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Local Fair Trade Network, Gardening Matters, Urban Arts Academy and Women's Environmental Institute at Amador Hill.

Organizations that wish to be candidates for 2010 WedgeShare grants can pick up a copy of this year's WedgeShare guidelines at the Customer Service Desk, or review the guidelines posted on our web site at www.wedge.coop/community/wedgeshare.

All information necessary to apply is included. All applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 12, 2010.

There will be a maximum of $10,000 for any one organization. All inquiries should be directed via email to bodadmin@wedge.coop. Wedge staff do not have information except as noted at the Customer Service Desk.

The WedgeShare Committee will review all applications to determine how closely they match the required criteria. Wedge Member-Owners will then vote in the fall election to select the recipients of this year's WedgeShare grants.