US Community Grants Program

US Community Grants Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Western Digital Foundation
Last Updated: November 08, 2025

Summary

The US Community Grants Program, led by Western Digital Foundation, focuses on funding nonprofit organizations and public schools involved in education, hunger relief, environmental preservation, and veterans' programs. This initiative emphasizes support for under-represented youth in STEM, local hunger alleviation, and community projects that protect the environment. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and demonstrate responsible management and effective use of funds. The program is currently invite-only due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Overview

NOTE: For U.S. applicants, due to COVID-19 Western Digital has temporarily revised the Community Grant program to an invite only basis. Western Digital, under the leadership of CEO Steve Milligan, believes in our responsibility to be a good neighbor in the communities in which we operate, and a steward of our world's resources. The quality of life and education, the well-being of our employees and their families, and the economic health of our society are of vital interest to Western Digital. As a corporation, we support organizations that improve education, support basic human needs, as well as programs protecting the environment and our communities. As a corporate citizen in the communities in which our employees work and live, Western Digital recognizes its responsibility to respond to the needs of our local communities.  Emphasis is placed on Educational programs, especially Science, Technology, Engineering and Math; Basic Needs Programs, especially those leading to economic self-sufficiency; and Civic Programs, with an emphasis on environmental protection and community volunteer projects. Western Digital, through the Western Digital Foundation, may award direct financial support to nonprofit organizations that provide services in the geographic regions where Western Digital and its subsidiaries operate business units. US Community Grants Western Digital awards grants to nonprofit organizations and public schools that offer programs or services in alignment with our key areas of support: Focus Areas Grants are focused on key areas of interest: Education: STEM, particularly programs targeted at under-represented and/or under-privileged youthHunger Relief: Programs with a predominant focus on alleviating hunger locallyEnvironmental Preservation:  Programs aimed at environmental protection or preservation, and the public education of such issuesVeterans Programs: Community projects and programs that provide services to veterans and/or military families

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applications are welcome from organizations with programs serving one of the following geographical areas:Greater Bay Area, CA (Alameda, Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Cruz counties)Orange County, CABoulder County, COEl Paso County, COOlmsted County, MNWDC requires that non-profit organizations and schools seeking support from WDC or any of its subsidiaries meet specific criteria to be considered for support:Be a tax-exempt non-profit organization or public school in good standing with the IRSShow program capability, sound fiscal policies, responsible management, and evidence of long-range planning and effective use of volunteersHave a competent, active board of directors or similar governing body providing sound policies and guidance to the organization and its membersProduce a budget, financial statements and a plan for funding beyond the period covered by the proposed contributionShow a method of evaluating the results of the proposed projectIn addition, we require:The charity is not being recommended by a foreign officialThe charity is not owned/operated by a foreign official or close relativeThere are no deals that are contingent (either in fact or in appearance) upon the granting of the charitable aidNormal due diligence has been conducted to verify that the charity is legitimate and reputable, and financially stableThe charity’s mission is consistent with the philanthropic priorities of the Western Digital Corporation (Education, Hunger Relief, Environmental Issues)

Ineligibility

The Foundation will not provide grants or other charitable contributions under circumstances that are not permitted by or are in conflict with the policies of the Western Digital Corporation or the Western Digital Foundation, applicable law, or budgetary considerations, which include but are not limited to requests made by the following:IndividualsCustomers or other business partners/providersOrganizations that discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual preference, disability, age, or national originGrant-making foundationsPolitical organizationsOrganizations failing to meet Western Digital’s corporate standards for ethical operation and social value