WE SHARE THE LOVE THAT YOU SHARE WITH US

Supporting our neighbors is the right thing to do. It’s an intentional part of our daily practice because we believe it’s our responsibility as citizens, as people, to extend our hand to those in need.

We remain committed to improving the lives of our neighbors, especially the less fortunate among us. We created “the Loving Spoonful” program to partner with charitable non-profits throughout East Tennessee and provide in-kind donations to help those groups in fundraising efforts that address and ease the suffering and deprivation across our community.

Tomato Head supports the fundraising efforts of many charitable non-profits throughout East Tennessee with contributions of silent auction donations. We are particularly moved to support organizations with a focus on women’s issues, children, and the environment. Our relationship with Second Harvest Food Bank spans two decades, and we provide a weekly donation of fruit for their Kid’s Cafe Program, ensuring that underprivileged children have fresh and healthy food available at home.

GIVING POLICY

Because of the significant number of donation requests we receive, we have put the following criteria and guidelines in place.

To be eligible for participation in our charitable giving program, preference is given to secular 501(c)3 groups that maintain a focus within the following categories:

Women & Children – Dedicated to the well-being of women and children with a particular interest in serving children with special needs, survivors of domestic violence, or at-risk populations in our community.
Arts, Culture & Humanities – Focused on preserving, commemorating and celebrating the artistic and cultural heritage of East Tennessee, including studio artists, performance art groups, public broadcasters, schools and museums.
Human Services – Attend to the housing needs of the homeless, feeding the hungry, or providing literacy programs for children and adults.
Environment – Promote conservation and sustainable management of land, water, plant and energy resources; promote preservation and appreciation of environment, including outdoor activities.

WE DO NOT FUND

Educational Institutions (Exceptions are made for organizations within a university.)
Endowment Campaigns
Direct grants or scholarships to individuals
Political causes, candidates, organizations or campaigns
Advertising in charitable publications
Sports Organizations
Labor Groups
Conferences, galas and charity balls

HOW TO BECOME A TOMATO HEAD PARTNER

All requests submitted must include the following information:

Organization’s Name, Address and Office Phone Number (we do not mail to P.O. Box addresses)
Organization’s IRS 501(c)3 number
Organization’s mission statement
Summary of past year’s program service accomplishments with demonstrative results from previous fundraisers, including the number of people that benefit from your organization each year. For example, donating $10 provides (x) amount of services or feeds (x) number of people. See our friends at Friends of Literacy for examples.
Contact Person’s Name, Phone Number and Email Address

WHAT WE EVALUATE

Each charity is evaluated on two bases – alignment of charitable mission with our values as described above and the following financial performance metrics – these include but are not limited to program expenses, administrative expenses, fundraising expenses and fundraising efficiency. Financial efficiency metrics are based on criteria and benchmarks set by bbb.org, charitynavigator.org, givewell.org and guidestar.org.

WHO TO CONTACT

All requests must be submitted in writing on the organization’s letterhead (mail or email) to:

The Tomato Head

Attn: Scott Partin

12 Market Square
Knoxville, TN 37902

Or, submit your proposal to marketing@thetomatohead.com (Attn: Scott Partin)

Community