What is the Shareholder Assistance Fund?
The Brattleboro Food Co-op aims to be a welcoming community marketplace. This fund is in place to support those community members who could not otherwise afford to be a Shareholder. It covers $60 of the $80 cost of a Brattleboro Co-op Share.
What is the process?
- Fill out the fund application (click here for a printable application).
- Shareholder Services and the Marketing and Community Relations Manager will review the application and respond within 48 hours
- If approved, enroll as a Shareholder and make a small payment. The total, one-time $20 cost may be made in smaller installments over a year.
- BFC pays $60 to complete the full $80 cost of a BFC share.
How is the Shareholder Assistance Fund Program funded?
Shareholders sew bags in exchange for Shareholder Hours that are then sold in store for $3, and Shareholders who withdraw their Share can donate all or part of their $80 equity to this fund.
Who does this apply to?
If you want to become a BFC Shareholder but the $80 cost is preventing you from joining, this grant is for you. Anyone that would like to apply can do so.
What happens once I get the fund?
Once approved for the fund, you will then join the Co-op, which will cost $20 (payable in increments). As a Shareholder you’ll be eligible for our discount programs, governance rights, and other benefits! You may be eligible for our Food For All program, which means you’ll receive a 10% discount on all your purchases (except alcohol). Click here to read more about all the benefits of being a Shareholder.
Click here to download a printable PDF application.
What happens if I no longer need access to this fund?
This is a rolling fund of money so please contact Shareholder Services if for some reason you no longer need support. Upon hearing from you we will reallocate the money back to the fund. This will allow us to offer your portion to someone else that may be in need. This assists us in always having funds accessible to the community.
