With over $1 billion in annual charitable giving, Walmart is one of the most generous corporate donors in the United States. Through its community grants program and other philanthropic initiatives, Walmart provides crucial support to thousands of organizations working to improve lives and strengthen communities across the country.
If your nonprofit is looking for funding, Walmart could be an excellent prospect to pursue. However, competition for Walmart‘s grants is high, and not every organization or cause aligns with the company‘s funding priorities.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll walk through everything you need to know about Walmart‘s donation request process in 2023. Learn about Walmart‘s giving philosophy, what types of programs they fund, how to determine if your nonprofit is eligible, and step-by-step instructions for submitting a strong grant application. Plus, get expert tips for making your request stand out and alternative ways to partner with Walmart beyond just funding.
By the end, you‘ll be fully equipped to pursue a donation from the largest corporate giver in the U.S. Let‘s dive in!
Walmart‘s Approach to Philanthropy and Community Giving
Before seeking a donation from Walmart, it‘s important to understand the company‘s overall approach to philanthropy and the types of causes it prioritizes. Walmart‘s charitable giving is primarily funneled through the Walmart Foundation, a separate philanthropic organization that was created in 1982.
The Walmart Foundation‘s mission is to "create opportunities so people can live better." It focuses on supporting initiatives that align with Walmart‘s core areas of focus:
- Providing access to high-quality, affordable food
- Advancing sustainability in retail supply chains
- Empowering Walmart associates and workers in retail
- Strengthening local communities
Within these focus areas, the Walmart Foundation primarily invests in programs that benefit underserved populations, including low-income families and individuals, communities of color, women, veterans, and people with disabilities. Disaster relief is also a key part of Walmart‘s giving strategy.
In 2022, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation donated more than $1.5 billion in cash and in-kind gifts globally, with the majority of funding supporting causes in the U.S. This included:
- Over $1 billion in food donations to food banks and hunger relief organizations
- $55 million for workforce development and economic mobility programs
- $22 million to advance racial equity initiatives
- $20 million for disaster relief and preparedness
As you can see, Walmart focuses its philanthropy on major national and global issues tied to its business. However, the company is also dedicated to supporting local communities where it operates. That‘s where the Walmart Local Community Grants program comes in.
What is the Walmart Local Community Grants Program?
The Walmart Local Community Grants program is the company‘s primary mechanism for supporting smaller organizations working at the neighborhood level. Through this program, individual Walmart stores award grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 to local nonprofits and other organizations that benefit the community.
Eligible organizations can apply for a local community grant online at any time during the year. Requests are reviewed on a rolling basis by the local Walmart store or facility. Grants are awarded in the form of Walmart gift cards that can be used to purchase supplies and materials to support the organization‘s work.
Some examples of local programs that have received Walmart community grants include:
- School field trips and educational programs
- Community gardens and beautification projects
- Youth sports teams and recreation programs
- Job skills training for underserved groups
- Services for seniors, veterans, and the homeless
Importantly, Walmart does not provide local grants to support fundraising events, capital campaigns, or general operating expenses. Funding must be used for specific programs, projects, or initiatives that serve the local community.
Who is Eligible for a Walmart Community Grant?
To be eligible for a Walmart Local Community Grant, your organization must meet the following criteria:
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Be a recognized government entity (state, county, or city agency or department) OR have a current tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) or (19) of the Internal Revenue Code.
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Operate and serve communities on a local level. National organizations are not eligible.
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Propose a program or project that benefits the service area of the Walmart store, Sam‘s Club, or other company facility from which you are requesting funding.
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Use the funds for a specific program or project within the grant period, not for general operating expenses.
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Fully complete the online grant application.
Note that the following types of organizations are not eligible for Walmart community grants:
- Nationally sponsored organizations such as American Cancer Society or United Way
- Individual K-12 schools and parent-teacher organizations (PTOs/PTAs)
- Political causes, candidates, organizations or campaigns
- Religious organizations, unless the program benefits the community at large
- Capital campaigns or endowments
- Fraternal, labor, military, or membership-based organizations
- Organizations that deny service or discriminate based on race, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability
Before applying, carefully review the full eligibility requirements on the Walmart Local Community Grants website. You can also use the eligibility quiz to determine if your organization qualifies.
How to Apply for a Walmart Community Grant: Step by Step
Once you‘ve determined your organization is eligible, follow these steps to request a local community grant from Walmart:
Step 1: Register with CyberGrants
Walmart uses a third-party online portal called CyberGrants to manage the community grants program. Before you can apply, your organization must register and be verified within the CyberGrants system. Visit the Local Community Grants page and click "Get Started" under step 1 to begin the registration process.
Step 2: Get a Cage Code
During registration, you will be prompted to request a Cage Code, which is a unique identifier assigned to your organization. Select "Request a Cage Code" within the CyberGrants system and complete the required information about your organization. Your Cage Code request will be reviewed within 2-3 business days.
Step 3: Complete the online application
Once your organization has been verified and assigned a Cage Code, log into CyberGrants and complete the online grant application. You will need to provide:
- Basic information about your organization
- A detailed description of the program for which you are seeking funding, including goals, activities, timeline, and expected impact
- A program budget showing how grant funds will be used
- Contact information for the grant applicant
Be sure to answer all application questions thoroughly and thoughtfully. Proofread carefully before submitting.
Step 4: Submit your application
When you have completed all required fields in the online application, click "Review & Submit". You will have a chance to review your responses and make any final changes. Once you are satisfied, click "Submit" to send your request.
Step 5: Wait for a decision
All community grant applications are reviewed at the local level by the Walmart store or facility where the request was submitted. Timing varies, but you can expect a decision via email within 6-8 weeks. If your grant is approved, you will receive the funds as a Walmart Community Giving gift card within 2-4 weeks after notification.
Some additional tips for submitting a successful Walmart donation request:
- Tailor your application to the local community and store. Explain how your program will directly benefit residents in the store‘s service area.
- Clearly articulate the need or problem your program addresses, your approach to solving it, and the specific impact grant funding will enable you to achieve.
- Include a detailed, line-item budget showing exactly how Walmart‘s funds will be spent. Ensure the budget and request amount match.
- If possible, specify how the Walmart gift card will be used to purchase products sold by Walmart in support of your program.
- Emphasize how your organization aligns with Walmart‘s focus areas and philanthropic priorities around hunger relief, sustainability, economic opportunity, and strengthening local communities.
- Keep your application concise and focused. Avoid jargon and unnecessary details.
- Double check that your organization meets all eligibility requirements before investing time in the application.
- Consider applying to multiple Walmart stores in your area to increase your odds of receiving a grant. You can submit up to 25 applications per organization per year.
By following these steps and tips, your organization will be well-positioned to submit a compelling community grant application and hopefully secure funding from Walmart. But if your request isn‘t approved, don‘t be discouraged. Keep in mind that Walmart receives a high volume of applications and not every worthy cause can be funded. Consider applying again in the future or pursuing other fundraising strategies.
Other Ways to Partner with Walmart
Applying for a community grant is not the only way for nonprofits and community organizations to partner with Walmart. Some other opportunities to engage the company in your cause include:
In-kind donations: While the Walmart Foundation does not provide in-kind donations, you can make product donation requests through your local Walmart store or Sam‘s Club. Reach out to the store manager to discuss your needs and see if they are able to assist with an in-kind contribution.
Volunteerism: With over 2 million associates globally, Walmart has a large potential volunteer base to support community causes. Consider reaching out to your local store to inquire about engaging associates in a volunteer activity connected to your program or organization.
Cause marketing campaigns: If your organization has a strong brand alignment with Walmart, you may be able to pursue a cause marketing partnership to raise funds and awareness. Walmart has engaged in pin-up campaigns, product promotions, and in-store fundraisers with select nonprofits. Reach out to Walmart‘s corporate giving team to learn more.
Roundup at the register: Walmart and Sam‘s Club stores regularly invite customers to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar and donate the change to featured nonprofit partners. Nonprofits must be invited by Walmart to participate in this program.
Associate workplace giving: Eligible nonprofits can register to participate in Walmart‘s associate workplace giving program, through which employees can donate to causes they care about via automatic payroll deductions. Charities must meet specific criteria and be approved by Walmart to take part.
Pursuing these alternate partnership opportunities will likely require building a relationship with your local Walmart store and regional corporate affairs representatives over time. Get to know your neighborhood store manager and engage them in your organization‘s work. Demonstrate how a partnership with Walmart can be a win-win by providing valuable social impact for the community and a chance for positive brand association for the company.
The Impact of Walmart‘s Giving
Walmart‘s philanthropy has a major impact in local communities across the U.S. and around the world. With over $1 billion in annual giving, Walmart‘s support enables organizations to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, educate children, protect the environment, provide disaster relief, and much more.
But Walmart‘s impact goes beyond just the dollar value of its donations. As the largest private employer in the U.S. and a fixture in thousands of communities, Walmart can be a powerful ally for nonprofits in many ways. By engaging Walmart associates as volunteers, spreading awareness to millions of shoppers, and leveraging its vast supply chain to get goods to those in need, Walmart helps charitable organizations expand their reach and deepen their impact much further than a simple donation might allow.
Of course, Walmart is not without controversy, and some critics argue that the company‘s business practices can actually harm the same communities it purports to help through philanthropy. It‘s up to each organization to assess whether a partnership with Walmart aligns with their values and to hold the company accountable for its broader social and environmental impact.
Ultimately, by strategically deploying its philanthropic resources, Walmart has the potential to catalyze transformative change on major societal challenges. Nonprofits that are able to successfully navigate Walmart‘s giving programs and build meaningful partnerships with the company have an opportunity to leverage its immense scale and reach for good. So if your organization‘s mission and values align with Walmart‘s funding priorities, it‘s well worth the effort to pursue a donation or other partnership opportunity.
We hope this guide has given you the information and tools you need to confidently approach Walmart for support. Remember, competition for Walmart‘s grants is high, so make sure your organization is eligible, your application is compelling, and your program truly benefits the local community Walmart serves. With persistence and a thoughtful approach, you just might join the ranks of the many organizations that have secured funding from this massive corporate donor. Best of luck!
