Co-op raises $710,000 from less than 20% of members this spring; aims to complete funding this fall
GRAND RAPIDS MN – Sept 17, 2025 – Free Range Food Co-op recently kicked off its Fall “Many Hands Make Light Work” Fundraising Campaign at the Grand Rapids Farmers’ Market, building momentum from an impressive spring campaign that brought owner contributions to $710,097 toward a $1.5 million owner goal.
The numbers tell a compelling story: just 19% of current co-op owners, plus 22 non-member supporters, contributed nearly half the funding target during the official campaign that ran from April through July.
“When less than one-fifth of our owners can generate almost half our goal, it shows both strong commitment and tremendous untapped potential,” said FRFC Board Chair Tom Connolly. “The co-op is now in a focused seven-week campaign running through October 31, targeting the remaining $790,000 needed for the member-owner contribution.”
Local Response
Fundraising began quietly in March 2024 with board members and close volunteer commitments, followed by “Owners Hosting Owners” events that generated strong early momentum throughout the spring and summer.
That positive response led organizers to spend the fall and winter months of 2024 gathering additional pledges and finalizing their comprehensive spring 2025 campaign strategy.
The co-op’s measured approach – pausing between campaigns to assess and regroup – reflects the careful planning local residents have come to expect from the all-volunteer organization.
Owner Outreach Effort
To reach the remaining 80% of owners who haven’t yet contributed, a team of Owner Connector volunteers are making personal calls throughout the seven-week campaign period.
“Our ten-person Owner Connector Team is giving an incredible amount of their time and energy to reach out to these owners,” said Becky LaPlant, Community Investment Campaign Team Lead. “There are ten of them so if you’re one of our 1,337 owners and reading this, please answer their call. Better yet – don’t wait for a call – go to our website https://www.freerangefood.coop/invest or call us at 218-326-6667 to get involved.”
Multiple Funding Sources
The co-op uses multiple funding sources working together to create a complete financial picture. Think of it as a pie with owner investment as a critical slice alongside grants and tax reduction incentives. This approach reflects what many local residents will recognize as good business sense: owners invest first.
“Like any business, we need to demonstrate our own financial commitment as we work to secure additional funding,” said Tina White, FRFC Financial Officer. “The more we invest as owners, the less we need from other sources.”
It is the intent of the co-op to open its doors without incurring commercial debt.
The Local Economy Connection
Free Range Food Co-op aims to be more than just another grocery store. The community-owned business will focus on local and regional producers, creating a dedicated marketplace for area farmers while giving residents more options for locally-sourced food.
Every dollar that goes towards bringing the Co-op to the Itasca area doesn’t just fund a grocery store; it cultivates local jobs, supports regional farmers and producers to expand their own businesses, and creates a gathering place where neighbors become friends over fresh, local food.
About Free Range Food Co-op
Free Range Food Co-op is a locally owned grocery store in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, driven by over 1,300 co-op member-owners committed to community well-being. Built by community for the community, FRFC provides access to local, organic foods and goods while fostering a sustainable and inclusive local economy. To learn more or become an owner, visit www.freerangefood.coop or email us at freerangefoodcoop@gmail.com.
