About
If you are a business located in Cumberland (or surrounding area), you are are invited to apply for a grant from 50 People (& More) Who Care. The intent of the grant is to help businesses survive and grow while dealing with the challenges of both the general and local business environment. Additionally, it may be used to help establish a new business.
Each quarter, three grant requests will be selected by the members from those submitted for the quarter. The three finalists will be invited to present the reasons why their business should be awarded the grant. After the presentations, a simple majority of votes cast will determine the recipient of the grant.
The awarded grant will be immediate and will allow an infusion of cash into your business. The amount will be based on the number of members of 50 People (& More) Who Care.
You may apply for a grant every quarter except the quarter immediately following your selection as a finalist (whether awarded a grant or not). This rule, by vote of the board in October of 2020, has been suspended until 2022, at which time it will again become effective.
Testimonials
“As a small business owner myself, i appreciate the enthusiasm and motivation needed to keep the local business doors open in cumberland. Each small business contributes greatly the uniqueness of our community and all need to be encouraged - the 50 people (&more) who care non-profit organization goes a long way to providing tangible help here!”
“Cumberland is a gracious, vibrant and generous little town, and it's been a great adoptive home town for us- that's why I'm on board with 50 Who Care.”
“I want to support small business in Cumberland and to provide in a small way whatever they might need in these tough times to keep them viable and attractive to their customers.”
“As a Cumberland native whose family has lived in the area over 130 years and with many relatives still living here, the community and its businesses are very important me and my family. I am blessed to help our neighbors and friends who keep Cumberland alive through their dedication to small business development. I want a vibrant Cumberland for all of us to enjoy.”
“People helping people, simple and effective!”
“ I was born and raised in a rural area of Cumberland. As I was growing up I recall many businesses in Cumberland providing me with various jobs and also helping out my parents when times were tough. After the military and a successful career at 3M in St Paul I moved back to Cumberland. As I recall those earlier memories I feel that it is time to help out these struggling businesses during this time of crisis.”
“For me,joining 50People and More was a quick,easy decision. These businesses are not only places I support,they are friends. I want them to succeed!”
“Linda and I are new residents to Cumberland, after we fell in love with a home in Cumberland and decided to retire from Minnesota and move here about 5 years ago. We committed to each other to get involved in Cumberland, and not to just "silently" live here. We have gotten involved in Church, in several local organizations and actively involved with volunteer opportunities in Cumberland.
When we heard about the 50+ Who Care from friends that had already gotten involved, we did some research on our own and realized that this was a great opportunity to give back to our local community - and hopefully grow "local" businesses that are suffering or having issues staying above water. I signed up to help make a difference, and saw how easy it is to nominate a business, got through the selection process, and announce the quarter's winner. Limited rules, smooth selection process, and results that make a difference to the businesses that benefit from the program. Donations that we've made and will continue to make are a good investment into our city's future.”
“This group was created at a coffee shop with an idea and a little input from half a dozen people. It was even before Covid days, but to me it really sounded like a great idea to promote small businesses in the Cumberland area. Our main street needs to stay vibrant and active was our plan. With our group helping the owners with extra funds it should be a welcome group in town for years to come, especially with the covid coming recently. A town of about 2200 and this group can make a difference!”
“I received a stimulus check from the federal government that I did not need so I thought I should give the amount away. Some went to a local church and some to your organization.Some local business were struggling during normal times. This COVID thing has a bad effect on their lot. But things can get worse. “
“I do not live in Cumberland, but I do own a home on one of the area lakes. Normally, I would shop in town but COVID-19 has made this unwise. So I am “packing in” all my food and other items. This is my way to support Cumberland!”
“My reason is my devotion to help our community to flourish! My family has been here over 100 years and the town of Cumberland is and always will be my home!!!”
“I am excited to be a member of a grassroots organization that has no meetings to attend, a simple quarterly dues structure and one that pledges to do one thing and only one thing….help the business’s in our community, I can think of no other organization, anywhere, that has a mission to simply help businesses succeed.”
“I was honored when I first learned about this organization and was contacted to consider joining the team. We all have a responsibility to keep an eye out for opportunities that we may be presented with in order to help out when we can. The mission of this organization is simple, let’s care!
I would highly recommend to anyone and everyone who lives in the extended Cumberland area to join 50 Who Care. It is one of the best decisions that you will ever make, and seeing the impact that it has on this wonderful community is a win/win/win for everyone. And it feels GREAT!”
“We have several friends that are business owners in the Cumberland area. While we try to frequent them and other small businesses as much as we can, that is not always possible during the pandemic. 50 People provides another way to safely support our local businesses.”
To join, send your name, address, phone number and email address to:
[email protected]
