Walmart Spark Good Local Grants Program 2025 — Funding Opportunities for U.S. Nonprofits, Schools, and Community Organizations

The Walmart Spark Good Local Grants Program is currently open.

Walmart understands that investing in local communities strengthens both businesses and the neighborhoods they serve. Through the Spark Good Local Grants Program, Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs, and Distribution Centers provide financial support to local organizations addressing the unique needs of their communities. These grants not only help organizations achieve their mission but also foster community pride, strengthen relationships between associates and customers, and enable lasting social impact.

Each year, Walmart awards local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5,000, supporting initiatives in areas such as hunger relief, education, social services, and community development. The program is open to eligible organizations operating in the same service area as the Walmart facility submitting the grant request.

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Program Overview and Guidelines

The Spark Good Local Grants Program is designed to be accessible and straightforward for community organizations, with a clear set of guidelines to ensure transparency and fairness. Key aspects of the program include:

• Grants are awarded through an open application process to organizations serving the same local area as the Walmart store, Sam’s Club, or Distribution Center they are requesting funding from.
• Organizations must have a Spark Good account on Walmart.com/nonprofits and be verified by Walmart’s third-party partner, Deed. Only authorized account users may submit grant applications.
• Grant amounts range from $250 to $5,000, depending on the scope and impact of the proposed project.
• Applications are accepted quarterly, with review periods as follows for 2025:
  • March 10 – April 15, 2025
  • May 1 – July 15, 2025
  • August 1 – October 15, 2025
  • November 3 – December 31, 2025
• Each organization can submit a maximum of 25 applications at any one time, including pending or approved requests.
• Once funded, an organization cannot reapply to the same facility within the same fiscal year.
• Final decisions are made prior to the opening of the next quarter.
• Grant recipients must affirm alignment with Spark Good program guidelines and agree to logo usage and recognition standards.
• Approved funds are distributed electronically via JP Morgan, requiring correct banking information to be submitted within 21 days of grant approval notification.

These guidelines ensure that grants are distributed fairly, efficiently, and in alignment with Walmart’s commitment to local communities.

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Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply

Walmart Spark Good Local Grants are open to organizations that directly serve the community where the funding is requested. Eligible organizations must meet the following criteria:

• Spark Good Account and Verification: Organizations must have a Spark Good account and be verified by Deed, Walmart’s third-party verification service.
• Service Area Alignment: The organization must serve the same geographic area as the Walmart store, Sam’s Club, or Distribution Center from which they request funding.

Eligible Organization Types

1. 501(c)(3) Public Charities
   • Must hold current tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
   • Must be listed on the IRS Master File.
   • Must operate within the United States and be classified under Section 509(a)(1), (2), or (3) (Types I or II).
   • Must be verified through Deed.
2. Government Entities (Non-501(c)(3))
   • Includes U.S. federal agencies, territories, commonwealths, state agencies, departments, and political subdivisions such as cities, counties, or municipal agencies.
3. Schools and Educational Institutions
   • Includes K–12 public or nonprofit private schools, charter schools, community colleges, junior colleges, and state/private colleges or universities.
   • Must have a National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) number or 501(c)(3) tax status and be Deed verified.
4. Churches or Faith-Based Organizations
   • Eligible only for projects benefiting the broader community, such as food pantries, soup kitchens, and clothing closets.
   • Must be Deed verified.

Not Eligible: Organizations that are 501(c)(4), (c)(6), (c)(19), homeowner associations, civic leagues, or volunteer fire companies are not eligible.

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Selection and Approval Process

Grant applications are reviewed and recommended by facility managers, who consider organizations with strong local reputations and trusted relationships in the community. Selection criteria include:

• Mission Alignment: Projects must address specific community needs and be appropriate for Walmart’s support (e.g., hunger relief, educational programs).
• Building Trust: Organizations must be legally compliant and seek to bring people together without divisiveness.
• Effectiveness: The purpose, execution, and measurable impact of the project must be clearly defined.

Facility managers may adjust the grant amount based on the organization’s request and funding availability. Organizations are notified of decisions via email, and all decisions are final.

Once approved, organizations must complete electronic fund setup within 21 days, otherwise the grant will be rejected. Approval is contingent upon acceptance of Spark Good guidelines and logo usage requirements.

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Application Process

Organizations can apply through their Spark Good account at:
Walmart Spark Good Application Portal

To apply, organizations must:

1. Ensure they have a verified Spark Good account via Deed.
2. Complete the online application during the relevant quarterly cycle.
3. Provide accurate banking information for electronic fund transfers.
4. Confirm alignment with Spark Good guidelines and agree to logo and recognition rules.

Submission of an application does not guarantee funding, and all applicants are subject to review of their reputation, activities, and compliance with program rules. Organizations that deny service or participation on discriminatory grounds are ineligible.

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Program Details and Important Dates

• Funding Amount: $250 – $5,000 per project
• Application Windows for 2025:
  • March 10 – April 15
  • May 1 – July 15
  • August 1 – October 15
  • November 3 – December 31
• Location: United States (local Walmart service area)
• Application Portal: Find portal here
• Grant Guidelines/Call for Applications: Here

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The Walmart Spark Good Local Grants Program empowers nonprofits, schools, government entities, and community organizations to make a tangible difference in their neighborhoods. By providing financial support ranging from $250 to $5,000, Walmart enables local initiatives that promote education, hunger relief, social services, and community well-being. With quarterly application cycles, clear eligibility criteria, and a transparent selection process, Spark Good Local Grants ensure that organizations serving the community can access funds to strengthen programs and create lasting impact.

For organizations seeking to make a real difference, applying through Spark Good is a direct pathway to community support and partnership with Walmart.