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.

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. 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!