Recent Initiatives

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!

Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation have joined together to launch Teacher Rewards, a new program that is providing more than $4 million to 40,000 deserving teachers across the U.S.

The Walmart Foundation has stepped up with an initiative aimed at providing job skill training to those hit hardest by the economic downturn. This year alone, we awarded more than $6.5 million in grants to programs designed to help train displaced workers and prepare them for the next chapter in their careers.

Now, more Americans than ever are relying on hunger relief organizations. To meet this increased demand, the Walmart Foundation has donated $7.8 million to support food banks and provide healthy summer meals to children and families.

The 2,695 winners of the 2009 Sam Walton Community Scholarship will each receive $3,000 to use toward tuition, fees, books and on-campus room and board in 2009-2010.

Now more than ever, the Walmart Foundation is proud to be able to help more people worldwide.

Although disasters are truly devastating events, preparation for them is something that can help save resources as well as lives.

As a part of our recent initiative to reduce U.S. hunger, the Walmart Foundation wanted to make sure that our nation’s hungry seniors were included in our efforts. We partnered with the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), the nation’s oldest and largest charitable food services organization.

After facing life-threatening illnesses and injuries, 53 young “Champions” representing the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) met with President Obama in March 2009. These very special ambassadors – who are living testaments to the medical care CMN hospitals provide across the country – are part of the Champions Across America program presented by Walmart and Sam’s Club.

The Walmart Foundation’s $3.6 million grant to United Way and One Economy could return $300 million in EITC refunds, save $45 million in tax preparation fees and help about 225,000 households save money and live better during a difficult time.

A $5 million grant to the U.S. Conference of Mayors will help create jobs in a variety of emerging green industries. With the Walmart Foundation’s donation, the Conference is awarding six grants to non-profit organizations that have a history of working with mayors.