Appleseed, fund-raising solutions, Cincinnati, OH

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Appleseed?

Appleseed’s beginning grew out of a commitment to helping Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky schools and nonprofit organizations reach their fundraising goals. By teaming with local merchants, nonprofit organizations earn income by selling gift cards/certificates from Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky’s best restaurants and retailers. Both profit from helping each other. It’s what we refer to as Community Fundraising. On a national level, it’s called scrip. Scrip is referred to as substitute money, which is really negotiable gift cards/certificates that are used like cash.

Why do local merchants want to work with Appleseed?

Local merchants want to support local schools and nonprofit organizations. They do it all the time by donating goods and services for fundraising events. In return, they would like those organizations and their members to support their businesses. By becoming part of the Appleseed program, these merchants now reach many nonprofit organizations with hundreds of members and member families. They offer greater discounts to Appleseed because of our volume and our ability to purchase with cash. In addition, Appleseed offers various marketing and promotional services which helps to sell more gift cards/certificates. In short, merchants win and nonprofit organizations win with Appleseed!

The Appleseed Program offers these benefits:

Negotiated discounts from restaurants and retailers that maximizes your profits while providing your constituents a broad choice of options.
Inventory and Order Tracking - Our reporting options give you the information you need to maximize your efficiency and profits.
On-line order entry and marketing - Applseed123.com is an easy-to-use on line resource to our clients.
Customer Service Hotline - Call Appleseed at (513) 233-9699 for outstanding customer service.
The Area’s best Restaurants and Retailers - We are constantly looking to add the quality merchants that you want, and your constituents frequent.

How does the Program Work?

Appleseed works on behalf of schools, churches, sports teams, and other nonprofit groups to purchase gift cards and gift certificates (frequently called Scrip) from local merchants. Because they are purchased up front with cash, the participating retailers offer a substantial discount. Supporters of your organization pay full face value for the certificates and a percentage is retained by your organization as revenue. It’s simple!

Appleseed also oversees the selection of merchants and administers the flow of funds and gift certificate distribution.

What organizations can participate?

Any nonprofit organization in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky can participate! A Letter of Determination or document with proof of tax-exempt status is all that is required.

How do I enroll my organization?

An enrollment application is available on-line at http://www.appleseed123.com/pdfs/NewAcctApplication.PDF (Download Adobe Acrobat Reader ). Simply print out the form, fill out completely and mail to:

Appleseed
New Account Application
6209 Turpin Hills Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45244

Enrollment is free!

Please remember to include a Letter of Determination or document with proof of Tax-exempt status.

How do I place my orders?

Orders can be placed either on-line at www.appleseed123.com/order-form.html or download the PDF version of our order form (Download Adobe Acrobat Reader ) and fax to the Appleseed fax line at (513) 233-0407. Orders can also be sent via postal mail..

Appleseed
6209 Turpin Hills Drive
Cincinnati, OH 45244

Sample order forms are available at www.appleseed123.com

What is the turn-around time for my order?

Orders received by 1:00 p.m. Monday - Friday will be shipped UPS ground or FedEx ground the following business day. (Local ground shipments arrive the next business day.)

Example: An order received by 1:00 pm on Monday will ship out Tuesday for a Wednesday delivery.

Appleseed is not responsible for lost or stolen certificates once your order is signed for.
Please include $6.00 for the shipping and handling of each order.

What type of payment does Appleseed accept?

Appleseed will accept a business check in the name of your organization. Please send the day your order is placed. There is a $20.00 fee for all returned checks.

Why is the program so successful?

Many families already frequent the merchants in the Appleseed program. Therefore, by purchasing gift certificates they are producing revenue for their organization without spending additional money!

How much money can my nonprofit organization raise with the Appleseed Program?

It’s really up to your organization! Appleseed provides you with a great list of merchants along with information and support on running your own program. Each program is run differently. With a year round program and 25 families participating, you could bring in $5,000 for your organization.

100 families can contribute $20,000 or more annually. The more supporters, the more revenue your organization can bring in to reach your goals.

For Information E-Mail: info@appleseed123.com


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