Is it possible to support local businesses, shop for things you need, and give back to your favorite Siouxland charity all at the same time? Now, it is thanks to Katie Kruse, who is bringing TAGG to Siouxland. TAGG (Together a Greater Good) is a new way to donate to your school, nonprofit business, sports team, or church in Siouxland.
Katie Kruse, originally from Minneapolis, MN graduated with an elementary education degree from University of Arizona, in Tucson. Like many teachers, she is not using that degree to mold young minds but instead putting it into practice in the corporate world. Katie works at SAP Concur during the day, is a dedicated volunteer with No Foot Too Small and Junior League of Sioux City, chases her three boys in between, and is starting TAGG for Siouxland in her spare time.
TAGG was started in Omaha, Nebraska, by Leslie Fischer and Holly Baker. Leslie and Holly wanted to connect people, businesses, and causes for mutual benefit as a way to support both local businesses and schools, teams, and nonprofits. Since its beginning, TAGG has already donated more than $750,000 to thousands of local nonprofits, schools, churches, and youth sports teams. The Omaha TAGG market has grown to more than 350 community-minded businesses.
TAGG is just getting started in the Siouxland area, with nearly 20 local businesses where you can shop and earn rewards for your favorite charity. The average donation earned is 5% of your purchase (which is capped in some instances) with other businesses donating a set amount per transaction or service performed. Businesses who are included in the TAGG program typically will display a sticker at their location to let people know that they participate in the TAGG program.
The local Siouxland businesses who are participating and will donate a portion of their sales to charities include: Brightside Café, Table 32, Crumb, P’s Pizza House, Hawks Coffee Shop, and Stone Bru Coffee Company. Retail businesses participating in the program include: Gypsy Soul Boutique, Mod House Interiors, and My Jeweler. Service providers participating in TAGG are Kruse Chiropractic, Paula Brown at United Real Estate Solutions, and Siouxland Magazine.
The first step to begin donating to local organizations or teams through TAGG is to download the TAGG app on your smart device. Search for “Together a Greater Good” in the App Store or Google Play Store and locate the orange square logo with a white price tag inside. Once inside the app, you can search by business location, including Siouxland, Council Bluffs, Omaha, or Lincoln, which will list all of the available businesses participating in the program in that location. You can also search by business name, type of business, or other categories.
Once you make your purchase at a participating business, the next step is to take a picture of your receipt within seven days of your purchase. After the receipt has been accepted, simply submit the amount your purchase has earned to the non-profit or business you choose to support. Siouxland nonprofits already included in TAGG to receive donations include: No Foot Too Small, Siouxland Christian and Sergeant Bluff Schools, Siouxland Foster Closet, STARS, Siouxland Youth Hockey, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Siouxland, New Stage Players, Siouxland Catholic Radio, Siouxland Public Media, and VIP Gymnastics, Ninja and Cheer.
If you have a non-profit to which you would like to donate and they are not listed on the App, you can refer them to TAGG. Once it is determined that they qualify, they can be added to the list of recipients. The person who makes the referral can earn rewards for nominating the recipient once they are approved.
Anyone who would like to learn more about TAGG in Siouxland can contact Katie Kruse at (612) 802-5979 or email hello@togetheragreatergood.com. Together we can all be a greater good for our community.
HOW TO TAGG – SHOP – SNAP – EARN
TAGG IS A WIN-WIN-WIN for businesses, causes, and people
By, Michelle Lessmann
