Northwest Arkansas Giving Program
Walmart calls Northwest Arkansas home. As the region grows into an increasingly larger and more diverse area, our investments in Northwest Arkansas support programs that enhance the quality of life for all members of the community.
Guidelines for Strategic Grants
- Nonprofit organizations must operate in Benton or Washington counties of Arkansas.
- Minimum grant amount is $10,000.
- Organizations interested in grants of less than $10,000 should apply through the local community grant program.
- Work must fit within one of our priority areas.
- If you have questions about the criteria for one the open requests for proposals, please plan to attend a corresponding information session. Our ability to answer questions about RFPs via email is limited.
Selection Process
Please note the vast majority of support in this focus area is programmatic. Open requests for proposals are competitive. Projects are evaluated based on their alignment with the strategic focus of the RFP. We are limited in the number of event sponsorships we can support each year.
- Proposals must be completed in full and submitted online to be considered. Please ensure your organization’s legal name in cybergrants matches the legal name on your IRS determination letter.
- There is no guarantee of funding.
- Guidelines, submission deadlines and notification dates may be adjusted without prior notice.
- Specific emphasis will be placed on proposals that aim to drive systems change, demonstrate measurable outcomes, and prioritize collaboration across organizations.
- While collaboration is encouraged, please note only one organization can submit the application for the grant.
Eligibility Checklist
Organizations applying must meet one of following criteria:
- An organization holding a current tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, listed on the IRS Master File and conducting activities within Northwest Arkansas. 501(c)(3) organizations must be recognized as public charities other than Type III supporting organizations.
- A recognized government entity: state, county or city agency, including law enforcement or fire departments, that are requesting funds exclusively for public purposes.
- A K-12 public or nonprofit private school, charter school, community/junior college, state/private college or university.
- 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.
Award Conditions
- Organizations that have already received a Northwest Arkansas grant but have not completed an impact report may not be eligible to apply or receive a new grant.
- Grant request amount should not exceed 30% of the applicant’s total operating budget for the most recent fiscal year.
- Overhead/indirect costs (non-program-related expenses) may not exceed 15% of the total program budget.
- While the majority of grants are less than two years, organizations may propose initiatives with timeframes that extend up to three years. No-cost extensions may be requested for up to an additional 12 months, if necessary.
- Funding provided by the Walmart Foundation cannot be used to provide services, compensation, or preferential treatment to Walmart stores or Walmart affiliated businesses.
Funding Exclusions
- Association/chamber memberships
- Athletic sponsorships (teams, events)
- Faith-based organizations when the proposed grant serves private interests rather than conferring a benefit to the community, in general
- Unrestricted funding
- Political causes, candidates, organizations, or campaigns
- Grants to individuals, to include scholarships (tuition, room and board or any other expense related to college, university or vocational school attendance)
All grant applications are made subject to review of the organization’s reputation and activities, and its agreement to comply with applicable terms and conditions.
