Benefits to being a Co-Op Member include:
Discounts
The buying leverage of the 100+ Member Organizations in the Co-Op allows them to purchase virtually anything they need at a discounted rate not available to the average organization. Additionally, all of our Vendors are vetted and approved by our team at the Co-Op to ensure the highest quality and service. Nittany Co-Op can gather more support and savings compared to an organization being viewed on an individual basis.
Bill Consolidation
Why waste precious time going through a multitude of bills each month? In extending a line of credit to our members, we consolidate all of your Co-Op expenses so you only have to pay ONE BILL saving you valuable time and effort. This process simplifies the workload for those responsible for managing the finances and eliminates the hassle of doing individual reimbursements for personal expenditures. In addition, we also increase transparency for the organization as we provide a shared link giving access to billing statements and the original copies of Vendor invoices.
Operational Consulting
We can offer you experienced and proven tactics to help in the areas of Facility Management, Event Planning, Member Relations Management, Accounting, By-Law Development, Fundraising, and other overlooked operational aspects. We work closely with our Vendors to develop best practices and ensure stability in a high officer turnover environment. In helping your organization perform to its fullest potential, it only betters the community we live in.
Vendor Accountability
As mentioned above, all of our Vendors go through a vetting process and we verify they are licensed and insured. If for some reason an issue or complaint comes up with a Vendor, the Co-Op can get involved to work through the issue. Ensuring the satisfaction of our Vendors and Members is our priority.
Promotion of your Organization
The Co-Op is strategically positioned in the middle of various local entities and we can connect people together that may not normally associate with each other. Does your organization need volunteer assistance? Does your organization have manpower to lend for community service projects? Are you hosting a local philanthropic event that you would like to promote? The Co-Op can help bring the local community together by understanding the needs and capabilities of our Members. Through our Volunteer Portal you can find a match for your organizations volunteer needs!
Philanthropy Assistance
Having a large network of local Vendors, the Co-Op can help match you with businesses that may donate products and services to a fundraising event your organization is holding. And with years of experience behind us, we offer consultation services to our Members, guiding you through the process of organizing fundraising events and streamlining your philanthropic efforts.
Community Service Coordination
As a Greek organization, meeting the number of required hours of community service can be difficult. In addition, our nonprofit Members often struggle to find necessary volunteers. The Co-Op can help our Members by matching up local nonprofits in need of volunteers with Member organizations needing to complete community service hours. Visit our Volunteer Portal to post your volunteer needs or availability today!
Ownership in the Co-Op
As a nonprofit purchasing cooperative, all Member Organizations develop and maintain ownership equity as they are the official shareholders. Our Board of Directors represents all aspects of our constituents to ensure Nittany Co-Op operates to successfully support them. If interested in getting involved as a representative on our Board, learn more here.