Food Banks & Pantries
The backbone of community food security. We help you store more, waste less, and say yes to bigger donations.
When the Cooler Goes Down, So Does Everything In It
A failed cooler doesn't just cost you equipment — it costs you the ability to serve. Coolers for a Cause was built to close that gap. Qualifying nonprofits get discounts on commercial refrigeration, free expert consulting, and a ready-made fundraising toolkit so the cold stays on and the mission keeps moving.
WHY IT EXISTS:
Refrigeration Is Infrastructure
Every pound of food your food bank stores, every vaccine your clinic protects, every meal your shelter serves — it all depends on the same thing: a cooler or freezer that works.
For many nonprofits, aging equipment is a crisis waiting to happen. And when a donor offers a pallet of fresh food or medicine, the inability to say "yes" isn't a storage problem; it's a mission problem.
Barr Refrigeration has spent decades outfitting food service operations, hospitals, schools, and community organizations with world-class cold storage. We know the equipment. We know the challenges. And through Coolers for a Cause, we're putting both to work for organizations that can't afford to fail the people they serve. See if you qualify!
WHO IT’S FOR
Built for Any Organization That Serves the Public Good
Coolers for a Cause is open to any 501(c)(3) organization, fraternal organization, government program, or educational institution that depends on reliable cold storage to carry out its mission. That includes:
Civic & Service Groups
The backbone of community food security. We help you store more, waste less, and say yes to bigger donations.
Educational Organizations
Schools, after-school programs, and campus nutrition initiatives rely on safe cold storage every single day.
Government Programs
Municipal agencies, emergency management programs, and publicly funded services can qualify for program benefits.
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Event-based organizations and cultural institutions need reliable refrigeration for catering, concessions, and special programs.
Public Safety & Disaster Relief
First responders, shelters, and disaster relief organizations operate in conditions where cold storage failure is never an option.
Churches & Religious Organizations
Faith communities running food ministries, community dinners, and emergency relief efforts are at the heart of what this program is built for.
Health Care & Medical Research
Clinics, community health centers, and nonprofits handling temperature-sensitive medicine or research materials have unique storage requirements we can help meet.
WHAT YOU GET:
3 Ways Coolers for a Cause Supports Your Organization
Discounts on Commercial Refrigeration
Barr maintains the largest inventory of commercial coolers, freezers, panels, doors, and equipment in the world — new and refurbished. Qualifying organizations receive savings, including discounts that can effectively cover freight costs on eligible orders.
Free Expert Consultation
Our team works with you to design and implement a cold storage solution sized right for your mission, your space, and your budget. We don't just sell equipment — we help you figure out exactly what you need and how to make it work.
Marketing in a Box — Fundraising Resources, Ready to Go
Paying for new refrigeration can feel out of reach. That's why every Coolers for a Cause participant gets access to a ready-to-use suite of customizable fundraising tools designed to help you raise the money and spread the word.
Your Fundraising Toolkit, Already Built
Most nonprofits don't have a dedicated marketing team, so we built one for you! Every organization that qualifies for Coolers for a Cause receives customizable, co-branded fundraising materials designed to help you engage your donors, run a campaign, and reach your goal — without starting from scratch.
Everything is professionally designed, ready to customize with your organization's name and logo, and focused on one message: helping you get the cold storage you need.
ASSET 1
Program Overview One-Pager
A concise, print-ready overview of the Coolers for a Cause program: what it is, why it matters, and how donors can help. Share it at events, mail it to supporters, or post it in your lobby.
ASSET 2
Fundraising Letter
A ready-to-customize direct mail letter that walks recipients through your refrigeration need, the community impact at stake, and how they can contribute.
ASSET 3
Talking Points Sheet
A quick-reference guide for board members, volunteers, and staff who will be having conversations about the campaign. Key facts, compelling stats, and simple answers to common questions, all in one place.
ASSET 4
Fundraising Email
A templated email optimized for donor outreach. Customize the mission moment, add your organization's details, and deploy to your list in minutes.
ASSET 5
Oversized Postcard
A bold, eye-catching direct mail piece designed to drive donations and awareness. Co-branded with Coolers for a Cause, it's printable and ready to drop in the mail.
ASSET 6
Social Media Templates
A set of pre-designed social graphics sized for Facebook, Instagram, and beyond — including a fundraising thermometer post, a "Help Us Feed Our Neighbors" awareness graphic, and more. Customizable and campaign-ready.