July 2, 2015

Walmart State Giving ProgramThe Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program provides single-year grants of $25,000-$250,000 (average $40,000) to nonprofit organizations that propose programs to meet unmet needs of underserved populations. This grant program has four cycles, and each state is assigned to two of them. In cycles 1 and 2, which occur in the first half of the calendar year, the foundation accepts proposals for programs that align to its Focused Giving areas of Hunger Relief and Healthy Eating, and Career Opportunity. In cycles 3 and 4, which are coming up, the foundation accepts proposals for programs that align to the Focused Giving areas as well as those that address other unmet needs (such as education and health care), referred to as Community Engagement Giving. Applications from New York state (cycle 4) will be accepted online from September 14 through September 18, and will be reviewed by State Advisory Councils composed of Walmart employees from various communities. Programs must have a measurable impact, and grantees are required to submit two Impact Reports during the grant period.

While the grant application is not extensive and is subject to strict character limits, this is a competitive program, with an average of 10% of applications awarded each year. To increase your chances of success, start early and plan a strong program that illustrates your need with data, includes well-defined activities, and proposes achievable, measurable outcomes. Via Evaluation can help your organization plan a strong, data-driven program to submit to the Walmart Foundation or other funders, and can also write grants. Contact Gary Ciurczak at (716) 362-0627 or email us.

More information here.