DENVER – September 4, 2014 – The Walmart Foundation is accepting grant applications from Colorado philanthropic organizations under its State Giving Program, and the deadline is fast approaching. The application period will open for its fourth funding cycle on September 7th. Colorado nonprofit organizations can apply for funding to support programs within the scope of the “Focused Giving” areas that include hunger relief, healthy eating or career opportunity. Grant requests for programs that would fall under “Community Engagement Giving,” i.e. education, health care access and other human services programs will also be accepted during this cycle. In order to be considered for grant funding this cycle, applications must be received by 10:59 p.m. MT on September 13, 2014.
Twice annually, the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program looks for non-profit organizations best serving the needs of Colorado communities. Last year alone, the Colorado State Giving Program awarded $650,000 to area non-profits. Grants range from $25,000 to $250,000 each. Colorado applications are reviewed by a State Advisory Council comprised of local Walmart associates, with funding recommendations made to the Walmart Foundation. For this cycle of giving, nonprofits will be notified of the funding decision on November 8, 2014.
It is Walmart’s passion to give back and help people live better in Colorado and across the globe. In fiscal year ending 2013, cash and in-kind donations in Colorado from Walmart stores, Sam’s Clubs and the Walmart Foundation totaled $19.4 million. Total giving in Colorado, including customer donations, totaled $21 million. During that same year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave $1.3 billion in cash and in-kind contributions around the world, surpassing 2012's total by more than $244 million. Global in-kind donations accounted for $1 billion, while $316.3 million was given in cash globally. Additionally, in 2012, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Logistics associates volunteered more than 2.2 million hours, generating $18 million to U.S. nonprofits.
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. For more information, including State Giving Program application guidelines and examples, please visit foundation.walmart.com.
About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the
Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through
philanthropic efforts that align with the company’s core business strengths. 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 and Nutrition,
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. To date, Walmart and the
Walmart Foundation have donated more than 1 billion pounds of food to those in
need across the country. To learn more about Walmart’s giving, visit
foundation.walmart.com.