2025 Change for our Community Application

The Change for our Community program values organizations that share our commitment to the health, well being, sustainability and education of our community. By creating a partnership with our customers we work together to bring financial support to these organizations.

WHO CAN PARTNER FOR CHANGE

Applicants must be local, non-profit organizations serving our community.
An organization may be a Change partner once every three years.
Organizations who are chosen to be Change partners are not eligible for additional donations or sponsorship in the calendar year in which they are chosen.
Change does not subsidize partisan organizations or organizations that advance a particular religious belief or political cause. The Merc Co+op will not support organizations that permit the exclusion of a group based on their race/ ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or lifestyle.
We ask that schools, both private and public, direct their donation requests through our Donations Program rather than the Change Program.

Decisions are made by a committee of co-op employees at both store locations. All organizations applying for Change will be notified about the status of their request by the month of December.

The deadline for submitting applications is October 31 of each year.

Applications accepted in October are considered for all months in the following year. At our KCK location, one organization is selected for the entire year.
Please provide certification of the organization’s non-profit status and any additional information that would help inform the co-op about the organization’s work and intended use of funds by emailing the co-op support specialist on completion of your application.

WHAT WE ASK OF CHANGE RECIPIENTS, ONCE SELECTED

The following things are required of Change recipients:

The organization’s logo (ai, pdf, jpg, png, eps).
100 words or less about the organization.
Web address and social media handle(s), if applicable.
1–3 high-resolution photos representing the organization’s work.
At the end of the calendar year, Change recipients share projects or impact of their organization during the previous year with the co-op for

The following things are considered best practice for Change recipients:

100–200 postcards, brochures or fliers with information about the organization for in-store use.
Two or more 2–3 hour shifts tabling in store(s) during your Change month.
Since this is a partnership of giving, we ask that you help us promote the Change program to the community during your month. We encourage you to use print, radio and social media to encourage your customers and clients to participate in Change.

Questions?

For more information, contact us via email.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Organization

Contact Person

Phone

(###)

###

####

Mailing Address

Address 1

Address 2

City

State/Province

Zip/Postal Code

Country

Website (if applicable)

Social Media (if applicable)

Store Location

Please select the store location in closest proximity to your organization.

Kansas City

Lawrence

Describe the mission and work of your organization. (500 words max.)

What area(s) does your organization serve?

How do you feel your mission aligns with the mission and values of The Merc Co+op? (For reference, visit themerc.coop/about) (500 words max.)

How will Change funds be used? (500 words max.)

Since our success depends on our partnership, how will you help us spread the word about Change during the month you are chosen? (500 words max.)

Your pitch: Our cashiers have, at most, 10 seconds to describe our Change recipient to a customer. How would you describe your organization and how the funds will be used in two sentences or less?

Is there a particular time of year that would best suit your work or funding needs? If so, which months? Note April and December are reserved for established partnerships and organizations.

Co-op staff participates in our outreach program as part of their employment requirements. Are there volunteer opportunities with your organization? If yes, please describe briefly.