Part of the Neighborhood
As a company, we are quite unique. Our stores are not cookie cutter big box-type stores with directives from “corporate” about how to run the business. Each of our stores has a lot of latitude in deciding the best way to operate that individual store to meet the needs of the local community. That makes community giving really special and fun. At Whole Foods Market, we are active participants in our community. We are extremely proud of our community involvement and the relationships that we continue to make each month! We strive to make a difference.
From the stores
Our team members are part of the local community and they are passionate about supporting the local causes that are important to our shoppers and neighbors. First off, it’s a given that each store donates food to area food banks and shelters. We have food; they know how to get it to people who need it. Done. Then several times a year, our stores hold community giving days (otherwise known as “5% Days”) where five percent of that day’s net sales are donated to a local nonprofit or educational organization. The groups that benefit from these 5% Days are as varied as the communities themselves. Last but not least, team members are constantly volunteering their time and expertise to an assortment of local non-profits.
Here are the types of Donation Program and Partnerships we offer:
- General/Event Related Donations
- 5% Community $upport Day
- Nickels for Non-profits (NFNP) Donation Program
- School Scrip Program
General/Event Related Donations
Whole Foods Market receives many donation requests. We’d like to say yes to everyone, but that’s not always possible, as we have a limited budget. We only make donations to Non-profit organizations with a 501-C (3) status. In most cases, we prefer to support event or organizations that contribute to nutrition education and wellness or one of the following: Education, Environment, Food, Children, Sustainable Agriculture, Organics, or San Mateo County. Requests must be received at least 60 days prior to the event (we get 100’s of requests!) Requests are to be made electronically only – via our online donation form. Any requests by phone, fax, or in person or on paper will NOT be accepted, nor can be responded to (due to volume of requests we receive). To find out more and apply for the General/Event Related Donation program, please click here.
5% Community $upport Day
Once a quarter, Whole Foods Market contributes 5% of the store’s total sales to a Non-profit organization (Community Support Days). We work together with the participating group to promote the organization, finding fun and creative ways to generate sales the day of the event. The participating organization must have the capability to promote the event within their organization and out to the community via a newsletter, meeting, emails, press releases, social media, etc. On a CSD, the chosen organization will need to maintain a staffed information table throughout the day to allow customers to get to know and interact with the organization. We will keep your application on file for this program for 2 years. To find out more and apply for the 5% Community $upport Day program, please click here.
Nickels for Non-profits (NFNP) Donation Program
When customers bring in their own bags for groceries they have the option of receiving a 5¢ credit (per bag) or the option to donate the 5¢ to our selected non-profit charity. ONE non-profit organization will be selected each quarter or 4 times a year. At the end of the quarter the selected non-profit organization will receive ALL the monies that have been donated into the organization’s account. To find out more and apply for the Nickels for Non-Profits program, please click here.
Scrip Program to Benefit Local Schools
A great way for parents to help raise money for their schools while doing their ordinary shopping! Similar to other scrip programs, Whole Foods Market’s Scrip program benefits local schools by offering a percentage of dollars purchased in-store by participating parents to schools. Our new scrip program operates through gift cards, which schools purchase at a discount and resell to parents. Parents who shop at Whole Foods Market can now do so with the gift cards, leaving the school with the benefit of the discounted amount, at no additional cost to parents. It benefits everybody! To find out more and apply for the Scrip Program, please click here.
If you have questions about our donation policy or have a nonprofit or educational organization you would like us to support, please contact the Marketing Director at your local store or fill out a donation request form. Thank you for your interest.
hsu-lien k. rivera
marketing & community relations team leader
whole foods market san mateo
