Toys”R”Us, Inc, has been actively contributing and providing grants to various children’s organizations through Toys“R”Us Children’s Fund since 1992. At the same time the company provides disaster relief to children and families who are victims of large-scale crises, as well as to organizations that support children with special needs. Toys”R”Us have a good experience in managing and providing a program for children that develops critical early cognitive, social and motor skills and introduces kids to the world of sports. So far, the company has contributed over $100 million dollars to its beneficiaries.

Toys“R”Us employees are also encouraged to donate to local causes. The company will match their contributions up to $1,000 annually to qualifying and 501c3 approved nonprofit organizations that keep children safe and help them in times of need; organizations that support the research, treatment, prevention and cure of diseases or disorders that impact families and children; and educational institutions, so employees can support their college or high school. The company also maintains and promotes a well-established volunteering program.

When making a decision on whether to apply for grants, please note that Toys“R”Us won’t accept applications from qualifying nonprofit organizations that do not focus their efforts on children’s issues.

Depending on the needs you can seek:

• Toys collection and donation during the holiday season: these are handled by Toys for Tots Foundation www.ToysforTots.org; outside of the holiday season, the donations are handled through Kids in Distressed Situations. www.KidsDonations.org;
• Pediatric cancer-related support through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.
• Disaster relief for hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, flooding, wildfires and other similar events through Save the Children, at www.SavetheChildren.org.

The grant applications should bring the following information: nonprofit’s EIN; a short essay on why the help is needed and how it will contribute to the children; organization’s mission and funding, as well as link to the nonprofit’s website. Another requirement is the funding to be requested at least 90 days prior to the date the donation is needed. Information regarding the application process, restrictions and requirements is available at:

http://www.toysrusinc.com/charitable-giving/request-donation/

Target Corporation is the second biggest retailer in the US headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The corporation has approximately 1,950 locations in 49 states (there are no locations in Vermont). Each year Target is giving 5 percent of its profit to communities, focusing on charitable activities in the following areas:

• Art;
• Education and field trips;
• Social Services;
• Security;
• Public Safety.

Nonprofit organizations from all over the country whose exempt purpose is to prevent crime, train and educate law enforcement and support youth programs are eligible to apply for a public safety grant. In 2013 program Target Corporation donated more than $200,000 to agencies in approximately 200 communities across the U.S. to help kids in need to buy holiday gifts for their families while developing relationships with local law enforcement.

In order to be eligible for Target grants, the organization must serve the geographic areas where the company operates. Thus, if there is a Target store within 100 miles, the organization is eligible for Target grants.

Target provides grants only to 501c3 approved organizations; nonprofit organizations that are in the process of applying for 501c3 and their status is currently pending are not eligible to apply. The application for Target grants is available online only.

A portion of the Target grants are provided to organizations, serving in the seven-county metropolitan area of Minneapolis-St. Paul. In 2012, Target Corporation awarded nonprofit organizations throughout the Twin Cities specializing in arts and social services with grants totaling more than $9.3 million. Since 1997, with the help of Target REDcard™ holders, the company has donated $418 million to local K-12 schools through Take Charge of Education Program. In 2014, more than 84,000 schools received sponsorship through Take Charge of Education totaling more than $31 million in donations.

More information about deadlines for applying and specifics is available at: http://corporate.target.com/corporate-responsibility/grants.

GM Foundation funds 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations nationwide both small and large.

GM (General Motors) is one of the leading automotive companies in the world and the GM Foundation is a relatively large foundation.

Though the GM Foundation is a relatively large foundation, the GM website actually highlights a check written for $2,500 to an organization, demonstrating that the foundation supports smaller organizations as well as larger ones.

GM’s charitable funding emphasizes 4 focus areas:

Education: Since the year 2007, The GM Foundation has provided over $70 million to fund educational causes, including early childhood and K-12. Encouraging studies in STEM and improving graduation rates are among the goals of the educational initiatives.

Health & Human Services: The GM Foundation funds programs related to health care, disaster relief and vehicle-related safety and wellness.

Environment and Energy: Environmental sustainability, conservation and protection is the focus of this particular area of the GM Foundation.

Community Development: Within this area, the GM Foundation supports causes related to economic development, social action and improving local communities.

The GM Foundation provides funding only to those organizations that have IRS 501(c)(3) status and those organizations whose programs fall within the focus areas above. The GM Foundation prefers those 501(c)(3) organizations which have a clear mission and operational plan, along with an innovative program to address the defined need.

One really good feature of the grant application process with the GM Foundation is that the applications are accepted year round. All applications are submitted online and more information can be found on the website of The GM Foundation.

Costco Wholesale provide grants and donations to 501c3 organization which focus on children, education or health and human services. Smaller local nonprofits may apply for grants and donations at the closest warehouse location. Organizations with more of a regional focus should apply for grants by sending a regional donation request form to the regional office.

There does not appear to be any specific application dates, but you should expect it to take at least 4 weeks to receive a response from Costco. However, it is recommended that you apply at least 3 months before you expect the funds to be needed. Factors that are considered when your application is reviewed include: type of program, community need, how program results will be measured, community collaboration, other financial support of the program or activities and budgeted expenses.

Costco generally limits its grants to no more than 10% of total program budget. You will be required to complete a grant application and provide such information as mission, use of funds, and financial information.

More information can be found on the website of Costco.

January and February are the months for many 501c3 and nonprofit organizations to apply for grants from Bank of America. More information below.

Over the next 10 years, Bank of America is expected to provide funding of $2 billion to nonprofit organizations through grants, sponsorships and other funding.

In 2013, Bank of America provided over $200 million to fund nonprofit organizations and 501c3 organizations and to support community needs. Bank of America funds causes related to workforce development, education, jobs, youth, housing, community development and basic human services, such as hunger. One of the best features of some of Bank of America’s grants is that the funds can be used as general operating support for the nonprofit organization.

In the year 2015, the Bank of America Charitable Foundation will issue requests for proposals in its various areas of interest. The application periods are as follows:

Jobs, workforce development and education (application period open from January 20 – February 13, 2015).

Housing and community development (application period open from April 20 – May 8, 2015).

Hunger and basic human services (application period open from July 20 – August 7, 2015).

More information on requests for proposals can be found on the  website of Bank of America Charitable Foundation.

Bank of America also provides regional sponsorships to support local economic, social and cultural activities, including art exhibits and sporting events.

Bank of America provides matching gifts that encourage employees to contribute to their favorite charitable causes. Thus, if an employee makes a contribution to a charitable organization, the organization may be eligible to get a matching gift from Bank of America up to $5,000 per person.

Annually, more than 3,000 charitable organizations receive the assistance of volunteers who are employees and retirees of Bank of America. Again, Bank of America will provide grants to these charitable organizations up to $500 per employee.

More information on the Bank of America grants and sponsorships can be found on the website of Bank of America Charitable Foundation.