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!
SMART Reading
SMART Reading is a children’s literacy nonprofit that serves kids in Oregon’s highest-need schools and marginalized communities with two ingredients critical for literacy and learning success: shared reading time and books to keep.
SMART Reading’s mission is to spark joy and opportunity through the magic of a shared book. Their vision is an Oregon where all children can realize their full potential through reading. Founded in 1992, the program combines early childhood reading support, adult mentorship, book ownership, and community engagement to positively impact literacy outcomes. SMART Reading provides a meaningful way for Oregonians to make a direct impact in their communities.
Reading matters. It’s an early gateway skill that paves the pathway for future success. Without it, kids are simply less likely to graduate high school, find employment, or successfully avoid hardships like poverty, homelessness, hunger, and other injustices. Lower literacy rates don’t just hurt individual children; they hurt us all. They impact the future health and prosperity of Oregon. They add strain on social and health services, impede our economic growth, and weaken our workforce. SMART Reading’s founders understood this when they grew a grassroots nonprofit focused on children’s literacy. They understood that literacy is not just our education system’s challenge, but one for local communities, businesses, foundations, congregations, and neighbors.
Funds will be used to buy books, ensure the safety of children and volunteers through background checks, train SMART Reading Site Coordinators and Readers, and purchase supplies for programs.
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.