Twice the Gift

Invitation to Participate

2008 Holiday Opportunity for Twin Cities’ Nonprofits

Twice the Gift Nonprofit Store

Applications due on or before September 1, 2008

During the 2008 holiday season, The Pohlad Family Foundation (PFF) will again operate Twice the Gift (TTG), a storefront that provides selected Twin Cities’ based nonprofits an opportunity to earn income and solicit contributions by selling products and services.  Last year, 45 nonprofits generated more than $71,000 in sales with 100% of the proceeds going back to the nonprofits because all expenses were paid by the foundation.  This year, plans are already underway to double sales in a larger store.  Additionally, a dedicated, year-round website is being developed which will feature nonprofit gift cards for specific and unique services (fka ShareGifts).

Retail Space Location.  Gaviidae Common II, a prime retail shopping destination in downtown Minneapolis, has been selected for TTG because of its high traffic location, upscale shopping experience and easy access to a large number of corporate and holiday shoppers.   The space will be available to selected nonprofits free of charge from November 22 through December 31, 2008 (Store hours to be determined but will most likely be Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. Noon-5 p.m.)

We expect to fill the store with high quality and distinct merchandise with preference given to locally produced items.  Requirements for nonprofits interested in participating and gaining exposure for their work are listed in the application link below. 

This year TTG cards (fka ShareGifts) will be available again through the store. Small gift bags will accompany TTG gift cards making them the perfect stocking stuffer or decoration.

Eligible organizations.  Twin Cities’ based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for retail space at the 2008 TTG store.  The PFF seeks to increase the number and types of nonprofits featured in the store.  We especially encourage applications from nonprofits that:

• work with or benefit economically-disadvantaged children or adults;
• provide services to help clients improve their lives; and
• have annual operating budgets of $3 million or less.

IN ADDITION:

Nonprofits interested in participating should also have:

• Existing earned income from merchandise sales (preference given to local or U.S. made products);
• Merchandise that is attractive when displayed and available at various price points;
• Sufficient inventory for anticipated sales;
• Volunteers able and interested in staffing the retail space; and
• Volunteer and employee insurance to indemnify the PFF and Brookfield D.B. Inc. (the landlord) for theft, injury or other issues that may arise.

Ineligible organizations.  Governmental units, public or private schools, intermediary organizations, public charities, supporting organizations, private foundation and associations may not apply.  To prevent duplication of charitable giving efforts, nonprofit organizations seeking support for holiday gifts are ineligible.

Retail, Marketing, Public Relations and Design Support provided by PFF for project.  TTG received significant positive media attention that generated direct sales and increased exposure for last year’s participating nonprofits.  We will provide similar support and have already received interest from a local television station to help promote it. 

Volunteer Commitment

Nonprofits selected are required to provide volunteers to set up, tear down and staff the TTG store while it is open.  Training will be provided and volunteers can expect to work five-hour rotating shifts.  Last year, volunteers added tremendous value to the store as ambassadors of their organizations.  Selected organizations are asked to provide minimal parking support to their volunteers to increase participation. 

Application Information

Applications can be completed in less than 30 minutes.  Please use this link to get started to submit your information.  Incomplete application will not be accepted so please answer all questions before submitting. 

Twice the Gift Participant Application

Deadline for Submission and Contact Information.

Respond no later than September 1, 2008.  Late applications will not be considered.  Nonprofits selected to participate will be notified on or before September 1, 2008.