Hey there! Are you ready to make a real difference for your favorite non-profit, school, or community organization? The Kroger Community Rewards program is an incredible way to do just that, simply by doing your everyday grocery shopping. Imagine, every time you buy your milk, bread, or that delicious snack, a portion goes back to a cause you care about, at no extra cost to you! If you're an organization looking to tap into this fantastic funding source, or an individual wanting to ensure your shopping benefits a specific group, you've come to the right place. This lengthy, step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process of registering your organization (or linking your card to an organization) online with Kroger Community Rewards. Let's get started!
How to Register Your Organization with Kroger Community Rewards Online: A Comprehensive Guide
The Kroger Community Rewards program is a powerful way for non-profit organizations to earn donations based on the purchases made by their supporters at Kroger and its family of stores. It's a win-win: your supporters get their groceries, and your organization gets much-needed funds. Here’s how to navigate the online registration process.
 |
| How Do I Register My Organization At Kroger Community Rewards Online |
Step 1: Confirm Your Organization's Eligibility
Before you even think about signing up, it's crucial to ensure your organization meets Kroger's eligibility criteria. Not all groups qualify, and understanding this upfront will save you time and effort.
Sub-heading: What Kind of Organizations Qualify?
Generally, Kroger Community Rewards is designed for:
-
501(c)(3) registered non-profit organizations: This is the most common and widely accepted category. You will likely need to provide your IRS 501(c)(3) Letter of Determination.
-
Schools (K-12): Public and private schools often qualify.
-
Churches and religious organizations: For projects that serve the wider community, not solely their own members.
-
Youth sports leagues, food banks, animal support groups, and many other local charitable organizations.
Sub-heading: Key Eligibility Points to Remember:
-
Federal Tax Identification Number (EIN): Your organization will need a valid EIN.
-
Non-discrimination policy: Organizations must not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, etc.
-
No political campaigns or individuals: The program is for organizations, not individual beneficiaries or political entities.
-
Annual Re-enrollment: Organizations and their supporters typically need to re-enroll their cards annually (often starting August 1st). Don't miss this crucial step each year!
If you're unsure about your organization's eligibility, it's always best to contact Kroger Community Rewards directly or review their official guidelines on their website (though specific, detailed guidelines for organizations to register are sometimes less readily available publicly than for individuals linking their cards).
Step 2: Gather Necessary Information
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
Once you've confirmed your eligibility, it's time to collect all the vital information you'll need for the registration process. Having these details ready will make the online experience smooth and efficient.
Sub-heading: What You'll Need:
-
Organization Name (Exact Name): Make sure you have the full, legal name of your organization.
-
Federal Tax Identification Number (EIN or NPO Number): This is absolutely essential. It's how Kroger identifies your legitimate non-profit status. Sometimes this is referred to as an NPO (Non-Profit Organization) number in the Kroger system.
-
Organization Mailing Address: The official address where your organization receives mail and where any reward checks will be sent.
-
Primary Contact Person's Information:
-
Full Name
-
Title
-
Daytime Phone Number
-
Email Address (this will be crucial for communication from Kroger)
-
-
Secondary Contact Person's Information (Optional but Recommended):
-
Full Name
-
Title
-
Daytime Phone Number
-
Email Address
-
-
Your Kroger Plus Card Number: While this guide focuses on organization registration, you'll need a Kroger Plus Card linked to an account to manage your organization's participation. If you don't have one, you can easily get one at any Kroger store's customer service desk or by creating a digital account. If you use your phone number at the register, you can call Kroger customer service to get your associated Kroger Plus Card number.
-
An active email address and a strong password: For creating or logging into your Kroger online account.
Step 3: Access the Kroger Community Rewards Website
This is where the actual online process begins. You'll navigate to the dedicated Kroger Community Rewards portal.
Sub-heading: Getting to the Right Place:
-
Open your web browser and go to
www.kroger.com/communityrewards -
Alternatively, you can go to
www.kroger.com
Step 4: Create or Sign In to Your Kroger Digital Account
To manage your organization's participation and ultimately receive funds, you'll need a Kroger digital account. This account is also what individual supporters will use to link their Kroger Plus Card to your organization.
Sub-heading: For New Customers (Creating an Account):
-
On the Kroger Community Rewards page, look for an option like "Create an Account" or "SIGN UP TODAY" in the "New Customer?" box.
-
You'll be prompted to enter your email address, create a password, and select your preferred Kroger store (this helps personalize your experience, though it doesn't limit where your supporters shop).
-
Click "Create Account."
-
Important: Kroger will send a verification email to the address you provided. You must click the link in this email to finalize your account creation. Check your spam or junk folder if you don't see it immediately.
-
After verifying your email, you will likely be prompted to register your Kroger Plus Card. Enter the 12-digit number found on the back of your card (or your Alternate ID if you use your phone number) and your last name. Click "Save" or "Link Card." This is crucial as purchases won't count until your card is registered and linked.
Tip: Share one insight from this post with a friend.
Sub-heading: For Existing Customers (Signing In):
-
If you already have a Kroger digital account (perhaps from using their digital coupons or online ordering), simply click "Sign In."
-
Enter your email address and password associated with your Kroger account.
-
Click "Sign In."
Step 5: Enroll Your Organization in Community Rewards
Now that you're logged into your Kroger digital account, you can proceed to link your card to your organization and, more importantly, ensure your organization is officially recognized in the program.
 |
Sub-heading: Navigating to the Community Rewards Section:
-
Once signed in, you'll typically see your name in the upper right corner of the screen. Click on your name, then select "My Account" from the dropdown menu.
-
On the left-hand side of the "My Account" page, you'll find a navigation menu. Look for and click on "Community Rewards."
-
In the "Community Rewards" section (usually in the middle of the screen), you'll see options to "Enroll Now" or "Edit" your Community Rewards information. Click on "Enroll Now" or "Edit."
Sub-heading: Finding and Selecting Your Organization:
-
You will be presented with a search box titled "Find an Organization."
-
Here, you can either:
-
Enter your organization's NPO number (if Kroger has already provided one to you, which they usually do after an initial application for organizations).
-
Type in the exact name of your organization. Be careful with spelling and capitalization to ensure you find the correct one.
-
-
Once you enter the NPO number or name, a list of matching organizations will appear. Carefully review the list to ensure you select your specific organization.
-
Once you've found your organization, select it from the list and click on "Confirm" or "Enroll."
Sub-heading: Confirmation and Verification:
-
After confirming, you should see a screen or message indicating that you have successfully enrolled in the Community Rewards program and that your organization is your selected beneficiary.
-
To double-check your enrollment, return to the "Community Rewards" section under "My Account." Your selected organization's name should now be displayed prominently. This confirms that your Kroger Plus Card is linked to your organization.
Step 6: Inform and Encourage Your Supporters
Successfully registering your organization is only half the battle! The true impact comes from your members, volunteers, and supporters linking their Kroger Plus Cards to your organization.
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
Sub-heading: Spreading the Word:
-
Clear Instructions: Provide your supporters with simple, step-by-step instructions on how to link their Kroger Plus Cards to your organization. You can adapt the individual-focused steps from this guide.
-
Highlight Your NPO Number: Make your organization's NPO number (if you have one) easily accessible, as it's the fastest way for people to find you.
-
Share the Link: Direct them to
www.kroger.com/communityrewards -
Regular Reminders: Send out periodic reminders via email, newsletters, social media, and during meetings. Remember that supporters often need to re-enroll their cards annually.
-
Explain the "Why": Emphasize how easy it is and how every purchase, big or small, contributes to your organization's mission. People are more likely to participate if they understand the direct impact of their actions.
Sub-heading: Tracking Your Earnings:
As an organization administrator, you can often view your quarterly earnings by logging into your Kroger digital account and navigating to the "Community Rewards" section. Kroger typically sends out quarterly statements and reward checks.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 common "How to" questions related to Kroger Community Rewards, with quick answers:
How to: Check if my Kroger Plus Card is linked to an organization?
-
Quick Answer: Log into your Kroger digital account at
www.kroger.com
How to: Find my Kroger Plus Card number if I use my phone number at the register?
-
Quick Answer: Call Kroger Customer Service at 1-800-576-4377 and select option 4 to get your Kroger Plus Card number.
How to: Change the organization my Kroger Plus Card is linked to?
-
Quick Answer: Log into your Kroger digital account, go to "My Account," then "Community Rewards," and click "Edit" or "Change Organization" to select a new one.
QuickTip: Pause after each section to reflect.
How to: Ensure my purchases count towards Kroger Community Rewards?
-
Quick Answer: Always swipe your registered Kroger Plus Card or use the phone number associated with your card at the register for every purchase.
How to: View how much my organization has earned through Kroger Community Rewards?
-
Quick Answer: As an organization administrator, log into your Kroger digital account, go to "My Account," then "Community Rewards." You can often see the total earned for the last quarter there.
How to: Re-enroll my Kroger Plus Card for Community Rewards each year?
-
Quick Answer: Log into your Kroger digital account after August 1st each year, go to "My Account," then "Community Rewards," and confirm your organization or re-select it.
How to: Register a brand new Kroger Plus Card online for Community Rewards?
-
Quick Answer: You must use the new card at least once in a Kroger store before you can register it online and link it to an organization.
How to: Contact Kroger Customer Service for Community Rewards issues?
-
Quick Answer: You can call 1-800-KROGERS (1-800-576-4377) or visit their Help Center on kroger.com for contact options.
How to: Know if an item I purchase counts towards Kroger Community Rewards?
-
Quick Answer: Most items count, but specific purchases like alcohol, tobacco, government-assisted pharmacy expenses, gift cards (Kroger Co. family or variable load), lottery tickets, and fuel are typically excluded.
How to: Find my organization's NPO number if I don't know it?
-
Quick Answer: If your organization has already been approved by Kroger, they should have provided you with an NPO number. Otherwise, try searching for your organization by name on the Kroger Community Rewards website, or contact Kroger Community Rewards support directly as an organization administrator.
We hope this comprehensive guide empowers your organization to effectively leverage the Kroger Community Rewards program and turn everyday shopping into impactful donations! Happy fundraising!
 |
