Fall Fundraising Kick-Off Party @ GR Farmers' Market!

Fall Fundraising Kick-Off Party @ GR Farmers' Market!

Stop by the Grand Rapids Farmers' Market on Saturday, September 13th from 8am-1pm (hours of the market) to celebrate the kick-off of our Fall Fundraising Campaign! Visit our table to make your contribution pledge to win tiered prizes* that support our fabulous local farmers and businesses!

Bring a buddy to become an owner for more chances to win!

Currently at almost halfway to our 1.5M goal with only 19% owner participation, we’re perfectly positioned to raise the remainder of our Owner/Supporter goal by Oct. 31st!

See you soon!

*Pledges of preferred share purchase or donation over $1000 will be entered in to win one of three top tier prizes - total prizes valued at over $1000. Pledges over $1000 that come in online (use the pledge form below) or on the phone (leave a message, 218-326-6667) will also be considered for the drawing until 11:59pm Sunday, September 14th.

Pledges over $100 but under $1000 can select a "surprise" prize from the basket - that can be used immediately while you're at the market!

Pledges are encouraged to be paid in full at the time they are made, but can be paid at a later date.

Bringing a buddy to join as an owner can also earn you a choice of a "surprise" prize and your buddy will get a free FRFC t-shirt + reusable shopping bag!

As a co-op owner, you have a unique opportunity to invest in your values through a company you already own with your friends and neighbors! Working together to pool our resources in support of the co-op will help directly improve the well-being of our whole community through increased access to local, wholesome, organic foods and goods.

As of July 12th, 2025 we have raised $709,097 from just our Owners and Supporters!

THANK YOU!

How to make your contribution:

Donations: Anyone near or far can make a tax-deductible donation to the co-op!

  • By mail: Include cash with a note indicating use for Free Range Food Co-op. Make checks payable to “GRACF”. On the check’s memo line, write “Free Range Food Co-op”.  Please include your mailing information so that they can send you a receipt. Mail checks to: 350 NW 1st Ave, Suite E, Grand Rapids, MN 55744

  • In person: Visit the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation office at 350 NW 1st Ave, Suite E, Grand Rapids, MN 55744

A direct donation to the co-op can be made by cash or check mailed to our PO Box #842 Grand Rapids, MN 55744 or dropped off at our Campaign Office: Room 209 in Old Central School, preferably during office hours (Mondays 11-4pm, Tuesdays 2-4pm and Saturdays 10am-noon).

Donate online below:

3% Cover the Fee

Preferred shares: Can only be purchased by fully paid FRFC Owners who reside in the state of MN (to adhere to SEC laws).

  • Fill out the pledge form

  • Once your pledge form is submitted a volunteer caller will contact you to go over your pledge.

  • You also can call our phone number 218-326-6667 and leave a message with your full name indicating you would like to make a contribution or purchase preferred shares. A volunteer will return your call!

  • Or stop by the Campaign Office (Rm 209 of Old Central School) Mondays 11-4pm, Tuesdays 2-4pm and Saturdays 10am-noon!

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Email us: FreeRangeFoodCoop@gmail.com

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Call us: 218-326-6667

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Visit us: Old Central School - Room 209

〰️ Email us: FreeRangeFoodCoop@gmail.com 〰️ Call us: 218-326-6667 〰️ Visit us: Old Central School - Room 209

Sitting at just under halfway to our $1.5M goal, this feat has been a remarkable testament for what our community is able to accomplish when we work together!

The Campaign Team has been actively raising funds since March 2024, quietly securing pledges from long-time supporters to ensure that when we went "public" with our fundraising in April of 2025, we had a strong foundation to encourage other owners to contribute.

Since then, our community has stepped up in remarkable ways, with 406 donations from 252 generous supporters – including 230 current owners and 22 future owners who believe in our vision of a community owned, locally sourced grocery store. What's even more powerful is that they are working together to make it happen - because when we invest together, we grow together!

Here are some stats from Phase 1 of our campaign:

Total Raised to Date -------------------------- $709,097.60

Percentage of $1.5M Goal ------------------ 47.3%

Total Contributions ---------------------------- 406

Total Contributors ----------------------------- 252

Member-Owners -------------- 230 out of 1,222 active owners, 32 of which gave multiple times!

Future Owners ------------------------- 22

Member-Owner Participation Rate ------- 18.82%

Amount Still Needed ----------------------- $790,902.40 = 52.7%

Looking to the future, let’s do the math: If 18.82% of our member owners brought us almost half way to our $1.5M goal, is there any doubt that our other 81.18% active member-owners can take us the rest of the way?

This September we will be launching a second phase to complete our fundraising goal… stay tuned for more details!

Where we’ve been, where we’re at, and where we’re going!

How much money is needed, for what, and in what timeframe?

Our campaign’s goal is to raise $1.5 million in donations and owner investments of preferred shares by July 12th. Raising 24 percent of the funds from our member owners is critical to the long-term financial success of the co-op. Repaying loans or other commercial debt is not viable for the co-op’s financial projections, so the goal is to raise as much funding as possible from the sources listed below. We are risk averse and need to have at least $4.5 million in committed funds before beginning construction.

Support from our Owners

General Campaign Info

  • Also known as a Capital Campaign,  a Community Investment Campaign is an effort by an organization to raise a significant amount of money in a specified period of time to fund a one-time need. In our case, funding our community-owned grocery store, Free Range Food Co-op (FRFC). 

  • Cooperative grocery stores look first to their owners to build a solid base of investment and donation. On top of this base, grants, and funds from other sources round out the funding needed to open a store. Because of our unique legal structure, we  have the ability to raise capital from owners through preferred shares and donations. Traditionally, food co-ops raise a significant portion of the capital required to open their doors from owners. In our case, 25% of our funding will come from owners like you.

    Capital raised from owners allows owners the opportunity to exercise Cooperative Principle #3: Member Economic Participation  which states members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. It also allows owners the opportunity to invest in our local food system, which builds a more ethical, resilient, and sustainable supply chain and is a unique opportunity for our community. Plus, owner investments are more flexible and less expensive than bank financing, making the co-op financially stronger. In the event that commercial debt becomes a necessity to bridge funding gaps, investments demonstrate a committed customer base and strengthens commercial lenders’ confidence in lending to our project. Owner investments also allow us to apply for grants that require matching funds.

  • Becoming an owner is the first step to financially supporting the Co-op. As a Free Range Food Co-op owner, the four common shares purchased for $100 come with  benefits including future patronage dividends and voting rights within our democratic organization. One Owner = One Vote. Owners funded outreach and start-up costs and a small percentage of the funds needed to open our store. The second step for owners to financially support the co-op is participation in our Community Investment Campaign.

  • As an Owner, you have the exclusive opportunity to invest further in your community-owned grocery store, your community, and your values. Owner investments build a loyal customer base and reduce debt service, making the Co-op more resilient. Preferred shares are a significant way for owners to align their values with their  investments and gain the satisfaction of knowing that money is invested locally, increasing the quality of life for our entire community. Preferred shares have the potential to earn dividends, which will be declared at the discretion of the board if/when the co-op is in the financial position to do so.

  • The benefits of food co-ops extend to the entire community. They serve as more than just a place to purchase good food; co-ops keep more money circulating in their local economy, increase the market and access for locally produced food, and prioritize business practices that are good for people and the planet. No other grocery store business model is so deeply rooted in community. 

  • While we have little control over what’s happening at a national level or in the stock market, investing in our locally owned food co-op is something we as owners CAN do today for our community. As owners, investing our dollars with the co-op allows us to see our investment at work - right here, right now. It’s a way for us to collectively pool our resources and improve our local economy.  This campaign literally allows co-op owners to invest in “Main Street” rather than “Wall Street.” We need cooperation now more than ever.