We encourage all of our associates (employees) to get involved in charitable organizations that matter to their families and the communities where they live and work. Our Volunteerism Always Pays (VAP) programs, VAP and Event VAP, help associates volunteer on their own or with a group of associates interested in the same cause. Organizations that benefit from our VAP program include food pantries and educational facilities.
Through VAP, associates may request charitable contributions on behalf of eligible organizations where they volunteer. We donate more than $5 million a year to the organizations where our associates donate their time.
Since 1995 when VAP began, our associates have volunteered more than 7 million hours. In 2008, the more than 1 million volunteer hours reported by Walmart associates translated to more than $8 million in contributions.
Walmart Foundation Announces United We Serve Grants to Assist Organizations Supported by Associate Volunteerism
In August 2009, the Walmart Foundation issued a challenge to Walmart associates across the U.S. to volunteer in their local communities. And they answered that call! The 10 organizations for which associates logged the most hours will each receive a $10,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation.