Our Community Grants funding program has been giving back to our community for more than two decades. Each year, the Ashland Food Co-op's Board of Directors sets aside a percentage of sales from the previous year into a Cashflow Driven Investment (CDI) which, with the help of our friends at Twin Pines, allows this fund to benefit even more community-driven projects.
These funds support local projects that align with the Ashland Food Co-op's stated vision of enhancing health and enriching the community while promoting our mission to provide education about food, environment, nutrition, health, and culture. These local organizations are the heartbeat of our community, and we are proud to contribute these grants to assist in funding projects that are either already in the works or ready to get funded. In 2025, we proudly donated over $35,000 to 19 area nonprofit organizations doing excellent work within our community.
2026 Grant Recipients
- Anima Mundi Productions
- Ashland Community Food Bank
- Ashland Flute Circle
- Ashland Folk Collective
- Ashland Food Angels
- Cave Junction Farmers Market
- Empowered Arts Ensemble
- Freedom Farms
- Highland Lakes Center L.L.C. DBA Willowdale Ranch
- OUR Community Forestry
- Peace House
- Rogue Action Center
- SMART Reading
- SOPride
- Southern Oregon Child & Family Council- Southern Oregon Headstart
- St. Vincent de Paul, Ashland/Talent
- The SOU Student Food Pantry - SOU Foundation
- TRAILS Outdoor School Parent Teacher Collective (PTC)
- Walker Parent Teacher Organization
Non-profit organizations are encouraged to request program funding for projects that are in the scope of our five grant categories:
- Food and/or Supportive Services for People in Need
Grants in this category fund projects that strengthen our community by helping those with the greatest unmet needs. - Educational Programs Focused on Food, Nutrition and Health
Grants in this category fund projects that teach us about the benefits of healthy food and nutrition. - Environmental Stewardship
Grants in this category fund projects that improve or restore our natural environment. - Education on the Environment or Environmental Sustainability
Grants in this category fund projects that teach us about our natural world and how we can sustain it and human activities for generations to come. - Arts and Culture
Grants in this category fund arts and cultural programs that benefit the local community.
Grant Review Process
Once a grant application is submitted, it undergoes a careful review process by the AFC Gives Committee, which is composed of a mix of Co-op Owner Members, Employees, and Board Members. Each application is independently reviewed by committee members over the course of a three week period and scored using an extensive rubric. At this time, small working groups of committee members meet to more closely review and research each application. After the review period, the full committee reconvenes to hear presentations from each working group and to compare rubric scores. Thorough discussion takes place to determine fund allocation and proposal prioritization. Final decisions are decided by an official vote. The AFC Gives Committee is always mindful of avoiding conflicts of interest, and when necessary, committee members will abstain from a vote depending on their community involvement with an organization.
2024 AFC Gives Community Grant Recipients
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the requirements to apply?
Applicants must be a registered 501c3 organization (EIN required), or have a 501c3 as your fiscal sponsor. Applicants must have an Ashland Food Co-op owner affiliated with the organization whether it be the individual applying, a member of your board, staff, or a key donor. A fully completed application submitted during the posted submission period. - Can we apply if we are not a 501c3?
Sorry, at time applicants must be a registered 501c3 organization. - Can I apply if we received a Community Grant last year?
Absolutely - Can I apply if we were a Change for Good Partner?
Organizations that are selected to be a Change for Good partner are unable to apply to be considered for an additional Community Grant. Organizations that were not chosen in the election to be a Change for Good partner in the upcoming year are eligible to apply for Community Grant funding. - What is the typical amount awarded for a Community Grant?
Community grants are awarded for any amount up to $2,000 either as a check or Ashland Food Co-op gift card. If the grant request is for food, the grant will likely be awarded as gift cards. - When and how will the funds be disbursed?
Within 2-3 weeks of the Community Grants announcement, checks and gift cards will be sent out by mail.