Walmart Foundation Spark Good Local Grant

Walmart believes that investing in local communities strengthens its business and the communities it serves. Local grants are designed to support local organizations that meet the unique needs of the communities where Walmart operates.

Geographic Scope: United States (Walmart U.S. stores, Sam's Clubs, and Distribution Centers)

Key Features:

• Open application process
• Quarterly application cycles
• Maximum of 25 applications (pending or approved status) allowed per organization at any time
• Once funded, reapplication to the same facility is not allowed within the same fiscal year
• Electronic payment via JP Morgan

Application Cycles:

• March 10 – April 15, 2025
• May 1 – July 15, 2025
• August 1 – October 15, 2025
• November 3 – December 31, 2025

Eligibility

Organization Types:

• 501(c)(3) public charities (current tax-exempt status, classified as public charity under Section 501(c)(3), listed on IRS Master File, conducting activities within the United States, classified as 509(a)(1), (2), or (3))
• Government entities (U.S. federal agencies, territories, commonwealths, state agencies, departments, political subdivisions including cities, counties, municipal agencies)
• K-12 public or nonprofit private schools, charter schools, community/junior colleges, state/private colleges, universities (must have NCES number or 501(c)(3) tax status)
• Churches or faith-based organizations with community benefit projects (food pantries, soup kitchens, clothing closets)

Requirements:

• Must have a Spark Good account on Walmart.com/nonprofits
• Must be verified by Deed, Walmart's third-party verification service provider
• Must serve the same service area that the facility they are requesting funding from serves
• Only authorized users of the organization's Spark Good account may apply
• Deed verified

Not Eligible: Non-charities including 501(c)(4)s, (c)(6)s, (c)(19)s (homeowner's associations, civic leagues, volunteer fire companies)

What They Fund

• Community needs and locally focused initiatives
• Hunger relief and food security
• Education and community development
• Health and wellness initiatives
• Community building and engagement

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations that deny service, membership, or involvement based on race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, veteran, or disability status

Selection Criteria

Facility managers review and recommend grants based on:

1. Mission Aligned: The grant addresses a specific need in the community and makes sense for Walmart or Sam's Club to help solve
2. Builds Trust: The grant supports legally compliant organizations seeking to bring people together without divisiveness
3. Effectiveness: Clear demonstration of what the organization does, how funds will be used, and the impact in the community

Terms and Conditions

• Affirming alignment with Spark Good program guidelines is mandatory
• Agreeing to logo usage and recognition guidelines is required
• Funds must be claimed within 21 days of approval notification or grant will be rejected
• All decisions are final
• All grant applications subject to review of organization's reputation and activities
• Submission does not guarantee funding
• Facility managers may adjust awarded amounts without notice

Application Process

1. Create Account: Organizations must have a Spark Good account on Walmart.com/nonprofits and be verified by Deed
2. Select Facility: Choose the Walmart U.S. store, Sam's Club, or Distribution Center in your service area
3. Submit Application: Only authorized users of the organization's Spark Good account may submit
4. Review Period: Facility managers review applications and make recommendations based on mission alignment, trust-building potential, and effectiveness
5. Decision Notification: Organizations notified via email (decisions are final)
6. Payment Setup: If recommended for funding, organization receives email with instructions to set up electronic grant payment within 21 days, or grant will be rejected
7. Compliance: Must agree to logo usage guidelines and affirm alignment with Spark Good guidelines

Submission Requirements

• Spark Good account with Deed verification
• Demonstration of service in the facility's service area
• Clear description of community need being addressed
• Explanation of how grant funds will be used
• Expected impact and outcomes
• Organization's mission and activities