The Positive Change program raises money for local non-profit organizations working to better our community. We believe in the power of change and the power of community – Positive Change combines these two beliefs into one powerful program. The Positive Change program is one of the many ways the Co-op fulfills the seventh cooperative principle: Concern for Community.
Next time you check out, say “I’d like to round-up for Positive Change,” and we’ll round-up the total of your purchase to the nearest dollar, or you can donate any desired amount. Each month, the selected non-profit organization receives 100% of the donated funds, plus an additional mini grant from the Co-op (currently $400 each month). Annually, the Board of Directors selects one Positive Change recipient to receive an additional grant from our Cooperative Community Fund. Thank you for contributing to positive change and making a difference in our community!
Klamath Bird Observatory
Round up in January to support bird and habitat conservation! Klamath Bird Observatory is advancing bird and habitat conservation through science, education, and partnerships.
KBO achieves bird conservation in the Pacific Northwest and throughout the ranges of our migratory birds. Emphasizing high-caliber science and the role of birds as indicators, they inform and improve natural resource management. Recognizing that conservation occurs across many fronts, they also nurture an environmental ethic through community outreach and education. They owe their success to committed donors, volunteers, staff, and partners who demonstrate that each of us can contribute to a legacy of abundant bird populations and healthy land, air, and water. Since birds serve as the “canary in the coal mine” (we have lost one in four birds since 1970), this research is extremely valuable in making conservation policy decisions in this era of climate change.
In addition to scientific research and community science, KBO also emphasizes community education. They provide free bird walks and talks throughout the year, which connect people to nature, provide relaxation and educate participants about our environment and birds. They strive to include our valley's varied populations, including the Spanish-speaking population, through a special project called Bird Conmigo.
KBO’s Bird Conmigo is a community outreach project focused on serving the BIPOC community of the Rogue Valley. This project consists of free bilingual (Spanish/English) educational bird walks in Medford city parks open to any community member. The project includes the valley’s first bilingual bird brochure produced by KBO. Bird watching is a great meditative tool that can reduce stress and blood pressure. To this end, KBO supports the involvement of everyone in bird watching and habitat conservation to improve the health of our community. Birds are also indicators of environmental health, and KBO strives to improve the health of our environment directly through public outreach, education, and research. Positive Change funds will be used for bilingual outreach materials and staff time on the Bird Conmigo project.
We turn spare change into Positive Change for local non-profits.
The Positive Change program is for organizations seeking direct financial support. Positive Change recipients for 2025 will be selected by our owners in the 2024 Annual Election. If you or your organization would like to be notified when the 2026 application is available this fall, please contact us.
If you are seeking a food or gift card donation, please complete our Donation Request Form.
Spare change really adds up.
A few cents here and there add up to big impacts for our local non-profits.