Spark Good Local Grants Guidelines
Walmart believes that investing in local communities strengthens our business as well as the communities we serve. Local grants are designed to support local organizations that meet the unique needs of the communities where we operate, build pride among all associates, and deepen relationships with our customers and members. Each year, Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs and Distribution Centers award local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5,000.
Before submitting a grant, organizations must review the below guidelines.
Program Guidelines
- Grants are awarded through an open application process to eligible organizations serving the same service area that the facility they are requesting funding from serves.
- Organizations 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 $250 to $5,000.
- Applications are accepted and reviewed through three application cycles in FY27:
- Cycle 1: Feb. 1 – April 15
- Cycle 2: May 1– July 15
- Cycle 3: Aug. 1 – Nov. 30
- A maximum of 25 applications (pending or approved status), is allowed per organization at any time.
- Once funded, reapplication to the same facility is not allowed within the same fiscal year.
- Final decisions are made prior to the next application cycle’s opening.
- Affirming alignment with Spark Good program guidelines is mandatory for all grant recipients.
- Agreeing to logo usage and recognition guidelines is required.
- If recommended for a grant, funds are distributed through electronic payment via JP Morgan, requiring the organization to provide correct banking within 21 days of the organization’s primary owner being notified that the grant was recommended for approval.
Organization Eligibility
- Organizations must have a Spark Good account and be verified by Deed, Walmart’s third-party verification service provider.
- Organizations must serve the same service area that the facility they are requesting funding from serves. Eligible entities must be a:
- 501(c)(3) public charity: An organization holding a current tax-exempt status and recognized 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.
- Government entity (non-501(c)(3)): U.S. federal agencies territories and commonwealths, state agencies and departments and political subdivisions (including cities, counties, municipal agencies); and Deed verified.
- School: All K-12 public or nonprofit private schools, charter schools, community/junior colleges, state/private colleges, or universities. Institutions must have a NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) number or 501c3 tax status and be verified with Deed.
- 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 but not limited to organizations such 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.
Selection and Approval Process
- Facility managers review applications and make initial recommendations, informed by guidance on applicable considerations such as community trust, organizational track record and existing relationships.
- Facility managers consider the following criteria when recommending a grant:
- Mission Aligned: The request addresses a specific, demonstrated need in their community and falls within areas where Walmart or Sam’s Club is well positioned to contribute (for example, because Walmart is a major grocer, hunger relief is a frequent area of support).
- Builds Trust: The request supports an organization that is in good standing and compliant with applicable laws and regulations, and whose activities promote community cohesion rather than division.
- Effectiveness: The application clearly describes the organization’s work, the proposed use of funds, and the expected outcomes and community impact. Click here for examples.
- Managers and grant administrators reserve the right to adjust the amount awarded to each organization without notice.
- All decisions will be communicated via e-mail, and are final and not subject to appeal.
- If the grant proposal is approved for funding, the organization will receive an email with instructions to set up electronic grant payment. The organization must complete the payment set up within 21 days of the date of that email; failure to do so will be deemed a rejection, and the grant offer will be withdrawn.
- Approval is expressly conditioned on the organization’s agreement to the logo usage and recognition guidelines and its affirmation that it aligns with the Spark Good local grant guidelines.
All grant applications are subject to review of the organization’s reputation and activities and its agreement to comply with applicable terms and conditions. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding. Funding exclusions include organizations that deny service, membership, or other involvement on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, veteran, or disability status.
