Non-Profits
Overview
The purpose of this program is to enable non-profit community organizations to interact with and educate our community about their organization, programs, project, and/or event.
- Participating in the Market is a very powerful and unique educational opportunity.
- We’ve provided over 1000 opportunities for non-profits to attend over our history.
Basics
Cost - There is no charge for this type of booth.
Frequency - A possible frequency is 3–4x / season.
- Typically it would be spread out over our 3 seasonal quarters.
- The attendance might be concentrated, if it is advance promotion for a specific event.
We give greater preference to non-profits based on:
- The scope of the organization’s mission (e.g. ‘Red Cross’ vs ‘Hemophiliac Association’). —Size of the population they serve (e.g. ‘Humane Society’ vs ‘Save the Dachshunds’).
- The strength of the booth staffing and presentation.
The determination of subsequent frequency may be made based on an assessment of the initial visit.
Eligibility
Eligible Organization Types - Organizations must be a 501c3 (tax exempt) organization. The following are examples of acceptable non-profit organizations.
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Ineligible Entities - The following types of organizations are not eligible.
- Any political or religious activity. We honor and respect all political and religious orientations by supporting none at Market.
- Student organizations.
- Girl Scout cookie sales or other national organizations supported through sales of items.
- Marketing for private or public schools, colleges, and private programs.
- Fundraising by an individual / team for an event such as a cancer walk.
Acceptable & Unacceptable Activities
Donations - Donations can be solicited for the organization. Sales / Fundraising - Non-profits are allowed to fundraise through the sales of pre-approved products.
- The sale or free distribution of free products must be specifically disclosed, and approval given.
- We do not allow sale of product types that are in competition with our vendors.
Information Distribution - Distributing literature outside your booth area is strictly prohibited! Advocacy - Advocacy or political activities are not allowed (even if we think it’s a great cause!).
- Examples include: petition signing, election campaigning, or promoting specific political positions.
- The Steering Committee makes the final determination of what is considered a political activity.
- Advocacy activities can take place off the Market.
The best place for these to occur is across the street from the following 3 Market entrances: (1) the corner of 1st St and 1st Ave S (2) 2nd Ave S at 1st St (3) Beach Drive at 1st Ave SE.
Application Guidelines
The Application Guidelines describes in detail what we’re currently looking for as well as how to submit an application. • It’s imperative that you carefully read the entire Packet before submitting your application to maximize your opportunity for acceptance.
- The application is made by sending us a detailed email. There is no 'Application Form'. To apply, you will need to download the Application Packet (as an Acrobat or Microsoft Word file).
Acrobat - To download it as an Acrobat file, click here. Acrobat is the universal format for reading a file regardless of the program used to create it. If you don’t have it already, the Acrobat Reader software to read it can be downloaded here. Word - To download it as a Word file, click here.
Application Process
Application - Prospective participants should send a description of the proposed booth including:
- The purpose of your organization. A website link Is acceptable, if it contains the information.
- What activities you will conduct in your booth (handing out materials, requesting donations, doing a demonstration, etc.)
- How your booth is designed (e.g. signage, layout, info materials.
- Any prior experience in informational vending.
- When you wish to attend.
Approved Activities - Any activities which were not specifically applied for and approved are not allowed.
Timing - Due to high demand, available spaces are typically booked at least one month in advance. Submit your application far enough in advance.
Submission - Proposals should be submitted by email to saturdaymkt@yahoo.com.
Approval - The Market Steering Committee is responsible for making the final decision about participation. We reserve the right to not accept a request from a non-profit.
Notification - Once approved, you’ll receive an emailed confirmation of the date(s) that you are scheduled.
Legal Agreement - The organization must bring a signed copy of the ‘Non-profit Vendor Agreement’ to their first attendance at the market. The Agreement is part of the ‘Market Operations Guidelines’ document.
Booth Design & Operations
Initial Evaluation - Our evaluation of the booth setup, staff behavior and customer response will determine the frequency with which the organization will be eligible.
Equipment - The Market provides the space, tent, and a table free of charge. You must bring your own chairs.
Booth Design - Given how busy the Market is, booths need to be well designed and eye catching in order to draw people in.
- Organizations with poor displays (e.g. poor materials, signage, etc) may not be invited back.
Booth Staffing - The individuals staffing the booth should appear professional, and be friendly and outgoing.
- We recommend that one staff member be standing to engage customers at all times.
Operations Guidelines - All participating staff and volunteers should be given a copy of the Non-Profit Operations Guidelines. It is critical that they carefully read the Guidelines in advance attending!
- The Guidelines describe details including setup, operations, breakdown and weather protocols.
Scheduling
Scheduling Periods - There are 3 scheduling periods
- Oct
- Dec
- Jan
- Mid March
- May (We are always closed for the Grand Prix auto races)
Advance Requests – Requests for a date in a scheduling period can be made up to 6 weeks before the beginning of the period.