The deadline is fast approaching for non-profit organizations who wish to submit an application for the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program for grants starting at $25,000.
Cindi Marsiglio, senior manager of Public Affairs & Government Relations for Walmart, said they have traditionally provided community grants through the stores, but they wanted to reach out further into the community and provide non-profit organization with the opportunity to apply for a grant.
“This new program allows for a larger grant to be given to organizations,” she said about the State Giving Program that was launched in 2008.
Last year 34 Florida-based non-profit organizations were awarded $2 million.
The grants ranged from $25,000 to well over $150,000 last year, which provided funds for the organizations to meet the demands of their community.
The State Giving Program focuses on organizations that highlight education, workforce development/economic opportunity, health and wellness, environmental sustainability and hunger relief.
Marsiglio said Walmart has been assisting food banks in building their capacity by helping them purchase refrigerated trucks, continue weekend feeding programs for children, along with meeting the increased demand of food.
She said she is especially proud of the process they use to award the grants to organizations. The committee who chose the organization is made up of Walmart associates from across Florida.
“They are the ones that are selecting the grants,” Marsiglio said.
She said she is also proud of the program because it highlights so many organizations doing great things.
The deadline for the grant is April 22 and can be filled out online at www.walmartfoundation.org.