Markets for Good brings people together through pop‑up markets that celebrate shopping local, giving back through fundraising, and honoring diverse communities.
Founded by Heba Saleh and sponsored by Key of Life Ventures, this volunteer initiative invites business owners and families—including children—to experience the joy of giving back while supporting nonprofits that strengthen and connect our communities.
The video below introduces the initiative, which debuted with a holiday market fundraiser on December 13, 2025. You can watch a recap video of the event here.
🌟 We are working to secure a location for our vibrant pop-up markets planned for 2026.
Below are the current dates for our pop-up markets (subject to change):- April 25
- August 29
- October 24
- December 12
Our first-ever Markets for Good was called The Gratitude Exchange, a festive holiday market and community fundraiser rooted in care, creativity, and collective impact.This joyful gathering was held at our wonderful family-friendly venue, Cowo & Créche, which brought together local makers, families, and neighbors to raise funds for an organization working to secure transitional and affordable housing for Alexandria residents.✨ Highlights included:• Holiday Vendors offering unique, gift‑worthy goods from local makers
• Family Christmas Photos capturing the season’s joy
• Childcare Options so parents could shop, connect, and relax knowing their kids are cared for
• Gratitude Talks from our organizers, inspiring a growth‑mindset approach to the season
• Kids’ Table where children made crafts and sold their creations, giving every family member a chance to contributeEvery purchase, donation, and shared moment helped make housing a reality this Christmas for those facing challenges. Together, we’re building a more stable, inclusive future -- right here at home.
Vendor Sign Up for first
pop-up market in 2026
Application Due By:
March 15, 2026
We’re inviting local farmers, makers, artists, and mission-driven businesses to join us for our first Markets for Good pop-up in 2026:Rise and Bloom, a spring market and fundraiser on Saturday, April 25, 2026 (location TBD).✨ How to Apply (Vendors)To participate, vendors must complete a brief application form.
Deadline: March 15, 2026
Priority: Early applicants and vendors offering goods and services aligned with the season, due to space limitations.💛 What to Expect (Vendors)• Vendor Fee: Upon acceptance, vendors will submit a fee that will be donated directly to our nonprofit partner, supporting marginalized groups in the local community.
• Sales Proceeds: Vendors keep 100% of their sales. We warmly encourage (but do not require) a donation of 10% of sales to support the fundraising effort.
• Shared Values: All vendors will sign a simple agreement affirming care for the space, courtesy toward others, and a commitment to honesty and safety.Apply here by March 15.Vendors who also wish to sponsor are warmly invited to do so. Please complete the vendor application and select your sponsorship tier separately.
Sponsorship OpportunitiesSponsors help amplify the impact of the Rise and Bloom Spring Market. All sponsorship funds go directly to our nonprofit partner.• Community Sponsor ($100+)
Recognition on Eventbrite, social media, print materials, and event signage
• Impact Sponsor ($250+)
All benefits above, plus a 5‑minute speaking opportunity during the event to share your mission or messageYour sponsorship builds housing stability in Alexandria while connecting your brand with a values‑driven community.Sponsors do not need to complete the vendor application. Please contact us directly to confirm your support.