Coles operate a local community program which supports various grass-roots organisation such as schools, clubs, community groups and charities. In particular, they are committed to supporting local groups that themselves contribute positively to education, health and the environment.
Because this is a local program, everything is initiated at a local store level. Depending on the store, they might be able to offer gift cards to use in-store or give away as prizes, volunteers to help with events, a store tour or space at the front of the store to run a fundraising activity, such as a raffle.
How to apply
The first step is to speak to the manager of your local store and find out how the store can support your group. Managers may have a limit up to which they can approve in-store (for example $100 worth of gift cards). Requests higher than this may need to be approved by a higher body. Knowing in advance what might be approved will save you time and effort, and making the personal connection will assist if you are trying to follow up with your application.
Download the one-page application form from the Coles website here: https://www.coles.com.au/corporate-responsibility/community/local-partners
You will be asked to provide the following information:
*Your contact details
*The benefiting organisation
*Date of the event/activity and an explanation of why you are requesting support
*Donation amount/type requested
*You will also be asked if there are any other sponsors for your event and if you have already approached other Coles stores.
If your group is licenced to fundraise and has an authority to fundraise, you should attach a copy to the application. Organisations that are exempt and do not need to provide an authority to fundraise include state government schools, registered non-government schools, universities and TAFES, licenced children’s services and some kindergartens.
Completing an application does not guarantee success. You will not necessarily even hear if you are not successful. When you hand in your application, it would be wise to ask about expected approval times and ask for the name of a contact person you can speak with if you haven’t heard after a certain period of time.
Conditions
1.The program does not assist political/government groups, activist organisations, for-profit organisations, any group that discriminates or limits membership in any way, professional sporting events/people or offshore appeals/beneficiaries.
2. The gift cards can be used in any Coles stores; but cannot be used to purchase tobacco, alcohol or fuel.
