Walmart Community Grants Program Announces Key Portal Update for Nonprofits
For nonprofit organizations keen on tapping into the Walmart Community Grants and Sparks Program, there’s a significant update that demands attention. Starting February 1st, Walmart has initiated a partnership with DEED to oversee and streamline the grant request process. This change is poised to impact how applications are submitted and processed, marking a pivotal shift for prospective grant recipients.
Understanding the Walmart Nonprofit Grants
Walmart’s commitment to community support is showcased through its annual offering of local cash grants, which range from $250 to $5,000. These grants are strategically designed to meet the unique needs of communities across the United States, encompassing Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs, and Distribution Centers.
The grant cycle for 2024 kicks off on March 1, 2024. To participate, organizations will need to navigate new verification requirements via Paypal and DEED, a move aimed at enhancing the application’s integrity and efficiency. Notably, the program allows for applications to multiple stores, with the possibility of submitting up to 25 requests within a year.
Key Program Guidelines
The Spark Good Local Grants, facilitated through an open application process, are accessible to eligible organizations that directly benefit the communities surrounding the Walmart facilities they apply to. Key points include:
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Mandatory Spark Good account creation and verification by DEED, Walmart’s verification partner.
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Grant requests can range from $250 to $5,000.
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Applications are reviewed quarterly, with specific deadlines for each quarter.
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A limit of 25 applications per organization per calendar year is enforced.
Submission Deadlines and Review Process
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Q1: March 1 – April 15
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Q2: May 1 – July 15
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Q3: Aug. 1 – Oct. 15
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Q4: Nov. 1 – Dec. 31
Decisions are made at the end of each quarter, ensuring timely notifications ahead of the subsequent application window.
Eligibility and Funding Disbursement
Eligibility for the Walmart Grant Program hinges on verification by Deed and encompasses a broad range of entities, from 501(c)(3) public charities to government agencies and educational institutions, all of which must be DEED verified. Upon approval, grant funds are released through electronic payment, streamlining the financial transfer to beneficiaries.
In Summary
This update signifies Walmart’s ongoing dedication to supporting community initiatives through a more secure and efficient grant application process. Nonprofit organizations interested in the 2024 grant cycle should prepare by ensuring compliance with the new DEED verification requirement, setting the stage for a successful application. For more details on creating a Spark Good account and navigating the new process, visit Walmart.com/nonprofits.
Interested in applying for this funding? Reach out to Burrows Consulting today!
