Northwest Arkansas Giving: Increasing Access to Healthier Food for All Grant

The Northwest Arkansas Giving Program, supported by the Wal-Mart Foundation, focuses on enhancing access to healthier food for underserved communities. Eligible nonprofit organizations operating within Northwest Arkansas can apply for funding aimed at improving food availability and supporting local collaborations. Emphasizing measurable outcomes, the program seeks initiatives that address significant community needs while ensuring compliance with specific eligibility criteria.

Background
In 1962, Sam Walton opened the doors of the first Walmart. He recognized the value of bringing affordable products to people in small towns. Walmart has been helping people save money – and live better – ever since. In 1982, the Walmart Foundation was created to help support the communities Walmart serves. Last year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation provided more than $2 billion in cash and in-kind annual giving. Our ability to draw on Walmart business strengths, providing more than just funding, enables our philanthropy to deliver greater social impact.
Northwest Arkansas Giving Program
Northwest Arkansas has been home to Walmart since Sam Walton opened his first store in the town of Rogers. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation continue to invest in the region that has supported Walmart becoming the global company it is today.
Our giving in our Northwest Arkansas aims to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Benton and Washington counties, and our goals are steeped in the belief that when our neighbors thrive and feel a sense of belonging in our shared community, we all thrive.
Increasing Healthier Food for All in Northwest Arkansas:
We are seeking proposals that work to systematically improve access and availability to healthier food for underserved communities, and collaboration with local nonprofits to meet the area’s long -term needs.
Programs should focus one of the following areas:

• Nutrition educationImproving access to federal nutrition programs.Evolving food recovery models for charitable food distribution.

Eligibility

Organizations applying must meet one of following criteria:An organization holding a current tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, listed on the IRS Master File and conducting activities within Northwest Arkansas. 501(c)(3) organizations must be recognized as public charities other than Type III supporting organizations.
A recognized government entity: state, county or city agency, including law enforcement or fire departments, that are requesting funds exclusively for public purposes.
A K-12 public or nonprofit private school, charter school, community/junior college, state/private college or university.
A church or other faith-based organization with a proposed project that benefits the community at large, such as food pantries, soup kitchens and clothing closets.Nonprofit organizations must operate in Benton or Washington counties of Arkansas.

Ineligibility

Organizations that have already received a Northwest Arkansas grant, but have not completed an impact report may not apply or receive a new grant.Grant request amount should not exceed 30% of the applicant’s total operating budget for the most recent fiscal year.
Overhead/indirect costs (non-program-related expenses) may not exceed 15% of the total program budget.
While the majority of grants are less than two years, organizations may propose initiatives with timeframes that extend up to three years. No-cost extensions may be requested for up to an additional 12 months, if necessary.
Funding provided by the Walmart Foundation cannot be used to provide services, compensation, or preferential treatment to Walmart stores or Walmart-affiliated businesses.Funding Exclusions:Association/chamber memberships
Athletic sponsorships (teams, events)
Faith-based organizations when the proposed grant serves private interests rather than conferring a benefit to the community, in general
Political causes, candidates, organizations, or campaigns
Grants to individuals, to include scholarships (tuition, room and board or any other expense related to college, university or vocational school attendance)