Walmart Foundation Gives $918,000 to California Nonprofit Organizations

Giving people access to a better life. One community at a time.  

Jan. 3, 2013 Sacramento, Calif. – The Walmart Foundation and its California State Giving Program today announced $918,000 in grants to 33 non-profit organizations as part of its second round of grants this year. To date the Walmart Foundation’s California State Giving Program awarded a total of $2.2 million in grants to non-profit organizations throughout the state.

“We consider it our responsibility to make a positive impact in the communities we serve. Whether it’s through the grants we provide or inspiring volunteer efforts of Walmart associates, we are passionate about helping people live better,” said Kimberly Sentovich, Senior Vice President of the Pacific Division for Walmart. “The California non-profit organizations awarded these grants are making a profound difference each and every day.” 

California organizations that received grants include:

• AltaMed Health Services (Los Angeles) for $38,000
• Arts for All Inc. (Fresno) for $25,000
• Casa Familiar Inc. (San Ysidro) for $25,000
• Children’s Fund, Inc. (San Bernardino) for $25,000
• Community Resources Council, Inc. (Roseville) for $25,000
• Del Norte Senior Center (Crescent City) for $25,000
• Dress for Success San Francisco (San Francisco) for $75,000
• EJ Jackson Foundation (Los Angeles) for $10,000
• Family Health Centers of San Diego (San Diego) for $25,000
• Family Services of the Desert (Desert Hot Springs) for $25,000
• Fresno First Steps Home (Fresno) for $40,000
• Homeboy Industries (Los Angeles) for $75,000
• L.A.’s Best (Los Angeles) for $20,000
• La Casa de San Gabriel Community Center (San Gabriel) for $15,000
• Midnight Mission (Los Angeles) for $15,000
• New Economics for Women (San Fernando Valley) for $5,000
• OneOC (Santa Ana) for $25,000
• Para Los Niños (Los Angeles) for $10,000
• Project Angel Food (Los Angeles) for $10,000
• River City Food Bank (Sacramento) for $25,000
• San Diego Hunger Coalition (San Diego) for $25,000
• San Joaquin College of Law (Clovis) for $25,000
• San Jose Public Library Foundation (San Jose) for $50,000
• Silicon Valley Education Foundation (San Jose) for $100,000
• Special Needs Network (Los Angeles) for $10,000
• The ARC of San Diego (San Diego) for $25,000
• The Haven, The Salvation Army Southern California Division (West Los Angeles) for $25,000
• Union Rescue Mission (Los Angeles) for $15,000
• Voices for Children (San Diego) for $25,000
• WayUp Sacramento (Sacramento) for $25,000
• West Angeles Community Development Corporation (Los Angeles) for $25,000
• Working Wardrobes for a New Start (Costa Mesa) for $25,000
• YMCA of East Los Angeles (Los Angeles) for $5,000

One of the grantee organizations, Dress for Success, serves its community by providing disadvantaged women with professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help them thrive in work and in life.
“Dress for Success San Francisco, Dress for Success San Jose and Dress for Success San Diego are thrilled to receive the Walmart State Giving Council grant which will greatly impact our communities,” said Renée Surcouf, executive director of Dress for Success San Jose. “Each of our affiliates will utilize grant monies to help more women secure employment, retain their positions and advance their careers in 2013. Walmart state funding will enable our programs to provide career services to women throughout California who are entering the workforce and improving their lives and the lives of their family.”

What’s more, another grantee organization, Homeboy Industries, provides at-risk and gang involved youth with a continuum of services and programs designed to meet their multiple needs, and runs four businesses that serve as job-training sites.

“For 25 years, Homeboy Industries has helped former gang members and recently incarcerated men and women by providing hope, training, and support. Homeboy offers a unique experience, with job training through seven social enterprises and free services from tattoo removal to parenting classes, mental health counseling to employment services,” said Father Gregory Boyle, Homeboy Industries founder and executive director. “With Walmart’s support, we are able to continue our work, serving our clients and transforming lives. Walmart funding will enable our programs to provide career services to women throughout California who are entering the workforce and improving their lives and the lives of their family.”

To be considered for a Walmart Foundation Grant or Walmart State Giving Council grant, prospective organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum eligibility criteria. The State Giving Program has two application cycles per year. While the current cycle is closed, applicants are encouraged to check back in early 2013 for new application dates. Information is available at foundation.walmart.com/applyforgrants/stategiving.