Does Canopy Lawn Care have to maintain, direct or administer the Brand Fund?

According to Canopy Lawn Care's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Canopy Lawn Care does not assume any direct or indirect liability or obligation to maintain, direct, or administer the Brand Fund. While Canopy Lawn Care administers the Brand Fund, they are not obligated to do so. They may use a professional advertising agency or media buyer to assist them.

Canopy Lawn Care has established the Brand Fund to promote Canopy Lawn Care businesses and conduct other promotional and marketing activities. Franchisees are currently required to contribute 1% of their gross revenues to the Brand Fund, payable at the same time as their royalty fee. Canopy Lawn Care retains the right to increase this contribution with at least 30 days' notice, but it will not exceed 2% of gross revenues.

Unless required by law, Canopy Lawn Care is not obligated to deposit Brand Fund contributions into a separate bank account and may place them in their general accounts or separate accounts. They may reimburse themselves or their affiliates from the Brand Fund for various expenses, including administrative costs, audits, accounting, legal expenses, and taxes. Any unused funds in a calendar year will be applied to the following year's funds, and Canopy Lawn Care reserves the right to contribute or loan additional funds to the Brand Fund on any terms they deem reasonable.

While the Brand Fund is not audited, Canopy Lawn Care will provide franchisees, upon request, with an annual accounting that shows how the Brand Fund proceeds have been spent for the previous year and plans to invest the Brand Fund for the current year. During the last fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, 100% of the Brand Fund was used for advertising production.