Charitable Giving

 

Philosophy

Sweetbay Supermarket believes that our company and associates should enhance the quality of life in the communities where we live and do business. With that in mind, Sweetbay created Sweetbay Supports, a governing board that determines the need for financial support for organizations that serve and enrich the Florida lifestyle in unique ways.


Mission and Focus

Sweetbay Supports provides financial support for programs and organizations with a current 501(c)(3) tax exempt status dedicated to improving the communities as it relates to nutrition & wellness, hunger relief and cultural diversity in the areas where we operate stores. Preference for funding is given to organizations or programs that involve associates, are located in our marketing territory and have the potential of providing ongoing services for a large segment of our customer base.


Guidelines for Giving:

  • Sweetbay Supports focuses its giving in three primary areas:
    Nutrition & Wellness
    Sweetbay will consider contributing to capital fund drives, programs or service support through which nutrition, health education or preventative medicine will be provided.
  • Hunger Relief
    At Sweetbay, we are fortunate to be able to keep our doors open by selling food to those who can afford it. We will review proposals from people and organizations that keep their doors open to give to those who can’t afford it. We will contribute to people who devote their time, energy and resources to the fight to end hunger.
  • Cultural Diversity
    Sweetbay will consider grant requests from organizations that seek to establish or support programs that prepare students for leadership in a world of diverse people and interests, strives to build communities of respect and tolerance for differences and encourage communities to engage in dialogue about the issues of diversity in our society, or the interdependence of national entities and people.

 

Additionally, Sweetbay Supports will consider requests from projects or organizations outside of the preceding categories, provided that these groups enhance the communities in which the company operates and already make strong appeals for community support.

Eligibility: Sweetbay makes contributions regardless of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Organizations requesting contributions should:

  • Have active and responsible boards of trustees.
  • Practice ethical publicity and solicitation methods.
  • Provide an appropriate audit to reveal income and disbursements in reasonable detail.
  • Demonstrate long-term financial viability.

 

Preference for funding is given to organizations in our marketing territory that involve Sweetbay associates and customers. All programs and organizations requesting funding must be tax-exempt as described in both sections 501 (c) (3) or 501 (c) (6) and 509 (a) (1), 509 (a) (2) or 509 (a) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code.


Sweetbay Supports will not contribute to:

  • Institutions that, by virtue of their charters, programs or policies, are open to a small or restricted segment of the public, including veterans, fraternal or religious organizations, except those that make their services fully available to the community on a nonsectarian basis.
  • Individuals.
  • Tax-supported institutions.
  • Political organizations
  • Sponsorships of fundraising events or golf tournaments
  • Athletic events or sports teams
  • Public and private K-12 institutions
  • Animal welfare
  • Organizations that are not qualified as tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code [section 501(c) (3) or 501(c) (6)].
  • Sweetbay Supports will not provide sales discounts or purchase advertisements in publications or programs.

 

Application Process If you believe your funding proposal fits within the Sweetbay Supports guidelines for giving, please complete the application and send to the below address. You will be contacted within 30 days of receiving your application. Please no phone calls.

Sweetbay Supports
3801 Sugar Palm Drive
Tampa, FL 33619
Other Types of Giving:
Supermarket Donations

We contribute to our communities in many ways besides the Sweetbay Supports. Each Sweetbay Supermarket makes its own contributions to its local community through sponsorships as well as gift cards and other (in-kind) donations. Please contact your nearest Sweetbay for details. Sweetbay associates are strongly encouraged to take part in charitable and community activities on a volunteer basis.


Food Donations

Sweetbay is a major donor to local food banks, shelters and soup kitchens through our relationship with America’s Second Harvest. If you are seeking food donations, please contact the America’s Second Harvest serving your community. Information is available at www.americassecondharvest.org.