For over 75 years, the Niskayuna Co-op has been actively involved in our community by developing relationships that make a positive difference, giving back where help is needed, and contributing to a uniquely local experience.

Our Change Is Good fundraising program is a way for customers to participate in this commitment while allowing us to provide support to local organizations in need. Change Is Good rounds up a customer’s purchase to the nearest dollar for recipient organizations that share our commitment to a healthy community. Want to give more? Donation values of your choosing can also be accepted.

At the end of the trimester, all proceeds from the program are presented to the featured organization in the form of credit to be used at the Niskayuna Co-op. This program not only benefits recipient organizations but also strengthens the Niskayuna Co-op’s position as a valued and necessary community cornerstone.

How it works

Our cashiers ask customers if they would like to round their transaction up to the next even dollar. The difference between the original purchase and the rounded up amount is donated to our partner organization in the form of credit to be used at the Niskayuna Co-op. For example, if a purchase is $9.75, a cashier would ask the customer if they wanted to round up to $10.00. The remaining 25¢ would be donated to the partner organization. Customers can also donate more than the round up value by requesting a specific amount. These small donations can add up to a major donation!

January – April 2022 recipient

The mission of the South End Children’s Cafe is to impact food security, address food equality and food justice, enhance academic success, and positively influence the physical and mental health of children by offering free, healthy meals along with homework help, academic enrichment, mentoring, exercise, and participation in the arts.

Past recipients

Nisky NOW (Nutrition on Weekends)
Annual Equinox Thanksgiving Day Community Dinner
Street Soldiers of Schenectady
Schenectady City Mission
Schenectady County COVID-19 Emergency Response Coalition
Miracle on Craig Street
Schenectady City Mission Weekend Backpack Program
Schenectady Day Nursery
Safe Inc. Schenectady
Raindrops Closet for Homeless Families

Who qualifies to be a partner organization?

Priority will be given to organizations that:

• Are based in the communities served by the Niskayuna Co-op
• Use this funding for work related to food justice and/or providing health, food or nutrition services to those in need
• Use this funding for specific projects rather than general operating costs
• Are nonpartisan and do not advocate a particular political affiliation
• Are registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations

How to apply

Complete the application to be considered as a partner organization.

All required fields must be completed in order to be considered. Be prepared to provide supporting materials, including:

• Your organization’s 501(c)(3) certification
• If available, a piece of supplemental information (brochure, flyer, annual report, etc.)

Terms of use for featured organizations

All contributions received during the recipient organization’s fundraising period will be donated to that organization in the form of store credit to be used at the Niskayuna Co-op. Store credit does not accrue interest nor is it redeemable for cash or gift cards. Each organization must provide the Niskayuna Co-op with a list of individuals authorized to spend against the round-up total. All round-up funds must be used within 12 months of receiving them.