OREANDA-NEWS. April 27, 2015. The Walmart Foundation State Giving Council Program has opened its application period for its second funding cycle. Illinois 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. The deadline to submit grant requests is May 1st. Grant requests for programs that would fall under “Community Engagement Giving,” i.e. education, health care access and other human services programs, will be accepted during the fourth cycle in September. 

Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program awards grants to Illinois organizations during its second and fourth cycles to support organizations that address areas of need among underserved populations. In Illinois in 2013, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation awarded more than \\$35.6 million in cash and in-kind donations to local organizations.

“At Walmart, our mission is to create opportunities so people can live better,” said Susan Farr, Walmart Market Manager. “In addition to the thousands of community service hours our associates perform and the in-kind donations that are spread throughout the communities we serve, these State Giving grants allow us to help nonprofit organizations fulfill their mission and continue on their path of service.”  

It is Walmart’s passion to give back and help people live better in Illinois and across the globe. In fiscal year ending 2013, cash and in-kind donations in Illinois from Walmart stores, Sam’s Clubs and the Walmart Foundation totaled \\$35.6 million. Total giving in Illinois, including customer donations, totaled \\$39.5 million. During that same year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than \\$1.3 billion in cash and in-kind contributions around the world. This includes \\$978 million in cash and in-kind gifts in the United States and \\$37 million in cash and in-kind gifts in international markets. In addition, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Logistics associates volunteered more than 1.8 million hours, generating \\$17 million for local U.S. nonprofits.

As a 2014 State Giving Program grant recipient, Bethel New Life recently received a \\$50,000 contribution to support the organization’s Advanced Manufacturing Training program to create opportunities for individuals and families to invest in themselves. “Our AMT program is aimed at building a workforce and providing an academic bridge for individuals who want to acquire in-demand skills sought by the advanced manufacturing sector,” said Edward A. Coleman, Chief Innovation Officer of Bethel New Life.

Launched in 2008, associate-led State Advisory Councils work with the Walmart Foundation to identify needs within their state, review grant requests and make funding recommendations to the Foundation. Eligible applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum funding criteria. Grant submissions are only accepted online at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.

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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.