How YCYC works
YOUR CO-OP, YOUR CAUSE GIVING PROGRAM is a new monthly initiative designed to deepen Dawson Co-op’s connection to our communities by empowering our members to help direct where our community investment dollars go. This program celebrates local organizations, encourages member engagement, and reinforces the Co-operative Principle of Concern for Community.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Each month, four local charities or non-profit organizations are featured – 2 charities at the Dawson Co-op Food Store and 2 charities at the Dawson Co-op Home Centre
Members participate by shopping and voting for the organization they feel most passionate about.
Members who spend a minimum of $25 in a single transaction at either location will receive one voting token for that store.
Tokens are placed in the in-store voting station corresponding to one of the two featured charities at that location.
Members may vote at both locations in the same month if they qualify at each store.
At the end of each month, votes are tallied separately for the Food Store and the Home Centre.
Funding is awarded as follows:
1st Place: $1,000
2nd Place: $500
This results in up to $3,000 in total community funding distributed each month across both locations.
FAQs
WHO CAN BE CONSIDERED FOR YCYC
Organizations must meet all existing Dawson Co-op philanthropy eligibility criteria, including:
- Be a registered charity, non-profit, or school group
- Operate within Dawson Co-op’s service area
- Align with Dawson Co-op’s values of integrity, community, accountability, respect, and excellence
- Organizations must have at least one Dawson Co-op Member serving on their staff or Board of Directors
This ensures a meaningful connection between the Co-op, its members, and the organizations being supported.
WHAT YCYC SUPPORTS
YCYC funding is intended to support:
- Community programs and initiatives
- Local events and activities
- Projects with clear community benefit and accessibility
Funding is not intended to support:
- Ongoing operating costs such as salaries
- Political or religious campaigns (community-focused programs may be considered)
HOW TO APPLY
Organizations interested in being considered for Your Co-op, Your Cause (YCYC) may submit an application at any time throughout the year via Dawson Co-op’s Do Some Good online application platform
- Applications are accepted on an ongoing, year-round basis
- Approved organizations will be scheduled into future YCYC months, subject to availability and program balance
- Submission of an application does not guarantee immediate placement but ensures the organization is included in the YCYC consideration pool
APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCESS
- YCYC participation will be coordinated by Dawson Co-op’s Communications & Marketing team
- Organizations may be asked to provide:
- Confirmation of eligibility
- Proof of Co-op membership connection
- Basic promotional collaboration during their feature month
- Funding recipients will be announced following month-end vote verification