Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are dedicated to supporting communities through various grant programs. If your organization is looking to partner with Walmart to make a positive impact, understanding the online grant application process is crucial. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to apply for a Walmart grant online, ensuring your application is well-prepared and effectively submitted.
Eligibility Criteria for Walmart Grants
Before you begin your online application, it’s important to confirm that your organization meets Walmart’s general eligibility criteria. While specific guidelines may vary slightly between programs, the following are typically standard requirements:
Organizations Within the United States
In the U.S., funding is generally limited to organizations recognized as public charities. This includes entities currently listed in the IRS Current State Master File and public charity equivalents. Examples of eligible organizations include:
- Units of government
- Faith-based organizations serving the community
- Schools
International Organizations
For international organizations not based in the U.S., the criteria are a bit different. If your organization is not a U.S. 501(c)(3) publicly supported charity, you’ll need to demonstrate that you are the “equivalent” of a U.S. public charity. This process is known as “equivalency determination.” Alternatively, Walmart may exercise “expenditure responsibility” (ER) to ensure grant funds are used for charitable purposes. More details can be found in Walmart’s Global Giving FAQs.
Applying to Multiple Programs
A key benefit for eligible organizations is the ability to apply to multiple Walmart grant programs simultaneously. If your organization meets the specific eligibility requirements for more than one program, you are welcome to submit applications to each relevant program.
Grants for Organizations, Not Individuals
It’s important to note that Walmart and the Walmart Foundation do not award grants to individuals. All grant applications must be submitted by eligible organizations. Furthermore, the online application system is designed for financial grant requests only. If you are seeking in-kind donations such as products or gift cards, these requests should be directed to the store management at your local Walmart or Sam’s Club facility. Walmart associates interested in the ACNT Together Fund should refer to the internal application process.
The Spark Good Local Grant Application Process
For organizations interested in applying for a Spark Good Local Grant, the process is streamlined through Walmart’s online platform. Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying:
1. Create a Spark Good Account
The first step is to create a Spark Good account on the Walmart.com/nonprofits portal. This platform is specifically designed for nonprofit organizations to manage their interactions with Walmart’s giving programs.
2. Verification by Deed
After setting up your Spark Good account, your organization will need to be verified by Deed, Walmart’s third-party verification partner. This verification process ensures the legitimacy and eligibility of applying organizations.
3. Access the Spark Good Local Grants Page
Once your account is set up and verified, visit the Spark Good Local Grants page on walmart.com/nonprofits. This page serves as the central hub for the local grant application process.
4. Begin the Guided Grant Process
On the Spark Good Local Grants page, you will find a guided application process. This intuitive system will lead you through the necessary steps to submit your grant request.
5. Select Your Facility
The application process starts with selecting your local Walmart facility. This is a crucial step as Spark Good Local Grants are often tied to specific Walmart store locations.
6. Answer Organization Questions
You will then be prompted to answer questions about your organization. These questions help Walmart understand your organization’s mission, activities, and how the grant funds will be utilized to benefit the community.
7. Complete the Grant Submission
After answering the organization-specific questions, you can proceed with the simple grant submission process. Ensure all required fields are accurately completed before submitting your application.
8. Monitor Your Grants Dashboard
Once your application is submitted, you can track its progress in real-time through your grants dashboard. This dashboard provides updates on the status of your application, ensuring you stay informed throughout the review process. You will also receive email notifications regarding your application status and any required actions.
Need Further Assistance?
Walmart provides comprehensive support resources to assist you with your online grant application.
General and Program-Specific FAQs
For general inquiries, you can refer to the general FAQs page. Additionally, each grant program has its own program-specific FAQs, typically located at the bottom of each program’s information page. These FAQs are excellent resources for finding answers to common questions and clarifying any uncertainties.
Technical Support and Grant Payment Inquiries
If you encounter any technical difficulties while setting up your Deed account, please contact [email protected] for assistance. For questions related to grant payments, you can reach out to [email protected].
By following these steps, your organization can effectively navigate the Walmart online grant application process and increase your chances of securing funding to support your community initiatives. Remember to review all eligibility criteria and program guidelines carefully before starting your application.
