Grassroots supporting grassroots
ECA’s mission is to assist Eastside nonprofits that address housing, hunger, and mental health. ECA offers material and financial support to fellow grass roots organizations who have a direct impact on our surrounding community. We prioritize helping small nonprofits with limited exposure and resources to increase their local impact.
ECA partners with nonprofits in four specific ways, outlined below.
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Money raised through ECA Thrift Shop sales and financial donations funds ECA’s grant program. Grants are awarded to Eastside nonprofit programs that align with our mission. Effective 2024, grants are awarded yearly in December.
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Eastside-based 501C3 organizations who serve local residents and whose yearly budget does not exceed $5 million are eligible to apply for financial donations no greater than $2500. Unlike our larger grant awards, financial donations can be awarded to nonprofits whose mission falls outside of our focus areas of housing, hunger, and mental health. We accept requests for funds on a rolling basis throughout the year. The application is minimal to make the process quick for those with time-sensitive needs.
To apply, email ecathriftshop@gmail.com with the following information:
1. Name of organization
2. Primary contact for donation
3. Amount of funds requested (not to exceed $2500)
4. Purpose of funds
5. Need by date
6. Attach proof of 501C3 status.
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The ECA voucher program enables nonprofit clients to personally chose 10 free items in the shop to address their needs. Clients may choose clothing, housewares, or linens, for example, to prepare for a job interview or housing arrangement.
ECA currently partners with 10 organizations—Attain Housing, Acres of Diamonds, Hopelink, Imagine Housing, LifeWire, Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, New Bethlehem Programs, Platefull, Safe Parking, and The Sophia Way—to offer vouchers.
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Material support is shared with partner organizations who have specific needs. These materials come from ECA’s donated inventory.
Examples of recent material support includes a food drive for Hidden Manna Food Bank, donating medical supplies to Bridge Ministries, gathering towels and blankets for Homeward Pet Adoption Center, and collecting mugs for The Sophia Way.