Grant News: Walmart Changes Online Grant Portal to DEED

PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE IN NO WAY AFFILIATED WITH WALMART OR DEED AND THE PURPOSE OF THIS BLOG IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY.  

If your nonprofit organization has been applying to the Walmart Community Grants and Sparks Program you need to be aware of this important change to the grant portal.  Effective February 1st Walmart has now partnered with DEED to verify and facilitate grant requests.

Here is the full announcement that was distributed by Deed to nonprofits that were previously registered with Front Door:

What are the Walmart Nonprofit Grants

Each year, Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs and Distribution Centers award local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5000. These local grants are designed to address the unique needs of the communities where we operate. 

The 2024 grant cycle begins March 1, 2024 and in order to submit your applications this year you will need to be verified via Paypal and DEED.  You can apply to multiple stores and multiple times per year up to a maximum of 25 requests.

Walmart Grant Program Guidelines

• Spark Good Local Grants are awarded through an open application process to eligible organizations operating locally and directly benefiting the service area of the facility from when they are requesting funding. 
• All organizations interested in applying for a Spark Good Local Grant must have a Spark Good account on Walmart.com/nonprofits and be verified by Walmart’s third-party verification partner, Deed. Only authorized users of the organization’s Spark Good account may apply.
• Grant amounts range from a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $5,000.
• Grant applications are accepted and reviewed on a quarterly basis. Deadlines for submissions include:
  • Quarter 1: March 1 – April 15
  • Quarter 2: May 1 – July 15
  • Quarter 3: Aug. 1 – Oct. 15
  • Quarter 4: Nov. 1 – Dec. 31
• Organizations may only have a combined total number of 25 submitted and/or approved applications at any given one time for the calendar year, regardless of quarterly submission. 
• Final decisions on applications submitted within each quarter are made prior to the next quarter’s application opening. 
• If approved, grant funds are distributed through electronic payment.

Walmart Grant Program Organization Eligibility

• Organizations must have a Spark Good account and be verified by Deed, Walmart’s third-party verification service provider.
• If recommended for funding, the organization must provide electronic payment information to complete the approval process. All grants are disbursed through electronic payment.
• Organizations applying must meet one of following criteria:
  • An organization holding a current tax-exempt status as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, listed on the IRS Master File and conducting activities within the United States, classified as a public charity under Section 509(a)(1), (2) or (3) (Types I or II); and Deed verified.
  • A recognized government entity: state, county or city agency, including law enforcement or fire departments, that are requesting funds exclusively for public purposes and Deed verified.
  • A K-12 public or nonprofit private school, charter school, community/junior college, state/private college or university; or 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 and Deed verified.

Note: Non-charities, including organizations recognized as 501(c)(4)s, (c)(6)s, and (c)(19)s like homeowner’s associations, civic leagues, or volunteer fire companies, are not eligible at this time.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SPARK GOOD LOCAL GRANTS FROM WALMART HERE

Walmart Grants in Canada

There is a similar program in Canada, however the grant amount is limited to $1,000.

Eligibility Criteria in Canada:

• A Canadian non-profit organization operating for purposes beneficial to Canadian communities
• A registered charity holding a current charitable registration number with the Canada Revenue Agency
• Government-owned or controlled schools, community centres, parks, libraries, shelters and hospitals
• A registered Canadian amateur athletic association with the Canada Revenue Agency

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CANADIAN GRANT PROGRAM HERE

Need assistance navigating these changes? CONTACT us today to find out how we can help.

All IMPACT Funding Solutions Clients will be contacted separately about this change.