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Non-Profits


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Please review this page before starting your Non-Profit application here.

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.

  • Human Services - Environmental
  • Cultural Arts - Educational
  • Health - Government

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.

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.

Additional Information

Timing - Due to high demand, available spaces are typically booked at least one month in advance. Submit your application far enough in advance.

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 or denied you will receive notification via email.

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 found in the application. It is critical that they carefully read the Guidelines in advance attending!

  • The Guidelines describe details including setup, operations, breakdown and weather protocols.