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.

How to make your contribution:

Fill out the pledge form

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

  • 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.

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

  • Online: Once you submit the pledge form, it will bring you to the GRACF website to complete your payment. OR Visit gracf.org/donate/ directly. Click “Donate Now” and type “Free Range Food Co-op” in the search.

  • 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 (Sundays 2-4pm, Mondays 11-4pm, and Wednesdays 3-7pm).

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

As of April 29th, 2025 we are just $2,368 away from the $500,000 milestone AKA over 30% of our total goal!!

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

Our campaign’s goal is to raise up to $1.5 million in donations and owner investments of preferred shares by July 12th. Raising funds through owner investments and donations will be critical to the long-term financial success of the co-op. The total funding required to open our store  is $6.2 million and the anticipated sources and uses are shown in the chart below.  We are currently submitting multiple grant applications, and will also be working with future vendors to take advantage of any credits they offer to new stores. 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 also listed. However, in the event that commercial debt becomes a necessity to bridge funding gaps, we are forging relationships with organizations that provide no to low interest loans. We are risk adverse and need to have at least $4.5 million in committed funds before we will move on to the construction phase of the project. 

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.