FRESNO, Calif. – June 4, 2014 – The Walmart Foundation’s California State Giving Program has awarded a total of $90,000 to Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC) and Central Valley Opportunity Center (CVOC).
“The support Walmart is providing to these two non-profits is vital to our efforts to fight hunger and help hard-working people find jobs,” said California Assembly Member Frank Bigelow. “We applaud the Walmart Foundation for recognizing these valuable organizations and look forward to continued growth and prosperity in our community.”
Twice a year, the Walmart Foundation’s California State Giving Program awards grants to local organizations that address the needs of the communities they serve and make a significant social impact.
“The Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission and the CVOC provide area residents with job training, nutritious meals and other vital assistance,” said Kim Sentovich, senior vice president for Walmart. “Walmart and the Walmart Foundation believe in giving back to the local communities in which we live and work, and we’re proud to support these two organizations which share in that belief.”
The following nonprofits received a State Giving grant to fund vital programs that have proven to help those in the Central Valley live better lives:
Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission received a $50,000 grant to help provide nutritious food to individuals in four low-income, Fresno County communities.
“We’re grateful for this grant from the Walmart Foundation as it will support Fresno EOC’s food distribution in four Fresno County communities with the greatest need. The funds will also allow us to provide nutrition education classes to teach families healthy eating habits,” said Brian Angus, CEO of Fresno EOC. “We will distribute 66,000 pounds of food, providing hunger relief to at least 7,500 low-income individuals.”
Central Valley Opportunity Center (CVOC) was awarded a $40,000 grant to further their efforts to provide employment and training services to migrant and seasonal farm workers, displaced agricultural workers and other low-income individuals in Madera, Merced and Stanislaus counties.
“It is an honor to accept this $40,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation,” said Ernie Flores, executive director for the CVOC. “These funds will continue to provide vocational training to more clients, enabling them to become gainfully employed and improving their quality of life.”
The Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better, awarding grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S.
During the last fiscal year Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $1.3 billion of cash and in-kind contributions, including efforts to fight hunger, provide healthier foods and advance sustainability practices. This marks the largest level of giving in Walmart’s history, and the overall increase in giving surpasses the previous year’s total by more than $244 million. Global in-kind donations accounted for $1 billion, while $316.3 million was given in cash globally. In California, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation’s giving exceeded $47 million.
To be considered for support, prospective grantee 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. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving. The next application cycle opens on July 6, 2014.
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are
committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By
operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to
address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social
impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief & Healthy Eating,
Sustainability, Career Opportunity and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Walmart
and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United
States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. Walmart has donated more than
1 billion meals to those in need across the country. To learn more about
Walmart’s giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.