FAQ | COOK IT FORWARD

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FAQ: The WI Restaurant Revitalization Fund Giveback Campaign

Is Cook It Forward a non-profit organization?

Cook It Forward is the advocacy arm of Rule No One Hospitality, Inc. with a mission to address ongoing inequities in our food systems. We have fiscal agency with with a 501(c)3 organization called The Center for Community Stewardship, whose mission is centered around community inclusivity. This allows LLCs, large corporations and individuals to contribute funds, and pay funds out accordingly, all transparent and lawful.
Are donations to Cook It Forward are fully tax deductible?

Yes, donations to Cook It Forward are fully tax deductible. We are fiscally sponsored by the Center for Community Stewardship (C4CS), a 501c3 nonprofit. Credit Card payents will show "C4Cs" or "Center for Community Stewardship
Does Cook It Forward have its own staff?

Cook It Forward is lead and administrated by members of Rule No One Hospitality, Inc. https://www.rulenoone.com/who-we-are. Cook It Forward is a non-profit advocacy arm of Rule No One Hospitality, Inc. with a mission to address ongoing inequities in our food systems.
If restaurants use their RRF proceeds for this will that create any legal issues? Would operators effectively have to 'pay back' the portion that they donate?

Donation of funds directly is NOT an allowable use of RRF funds. We invite and urge recipients of RRF funds in Wisconsin to pledge "an amount equal to 3%" of their RRF proceeds to CIF, and not use the funds directly. This campaign is geared for a food and beverage operator who is receiving sufficient revenue to cover this donation.
Do you know exactly which operators were "Approved" by the SBA, but had funds rescinded on June 14th following the outcome of lawsuits that barred the SBA from distributing grants on the basis of race and sex?"

We have isolated CocoVaa Chocolatier and Christine’s Kitchen in Madison as our first candidates to allocate donated funds. There are possibly other restaurant operators here in Madison as well as dozens of other operators located all around the state that we are trying to identify. We are asking all minority-owned businesses who were promised RRF grant money, but rescinded due to the lawsuits to contact us at https://www.cookitforwardmadison.com/. We are waiting on an active FOIA request for a list of recipeince and amounts from the SBA.
What will Cook It Forward do with the funds received?

We are starting our fundraising in Madison with the intention to concentrate on Milwaukee and possibly other parts of the state thereafter. We have isolated CocoVaa Chocolatier and Christine’s Kitchen in Madison as our first candidates to allocate donated funds.
What if CIF receives more money than needed?

Any additional funds pledged leftover will be used as seed money to fund Black-owned hospitality businesses, chosen by the recipients of these funds in conjuiction with CIF staff.
How will candidates who receive funds be verifed in terms of identity and amounts rescinded?

Candidates to receive funds will be vetted by a 3rd party accounting firm. We are waiting on an active FOIA request for a list of recipeince and amounts from the SBA, which would provide the ultimate verification.
Can I write a check donation instead of credit card?

Absolutely, checks can be made out to: "The Center for Community Stewardship", or "C4CS" Attention: Cook It Forward 116 North Few St. Madison, WI 53703 Memo line: Cook It Forward RRF Campaign Please indicate name of restaurant, contact info and send your logo to us at info@cookitforwadmadison.com
Will Cook It Forward concentrate on other areas of WI?

We are starting our fundraising in Madison with the intention to concentrate on Milwaukee and possibly other parts of the state thereafter.
Where can I find resources to learn about the Restaurant Revitalization Fund

The Independent Restaurant Coalition provides up to date links. Please see https://www.saverestaurants.com/resources/