Center for Racial Equity

The Walmart.org Center for Racial Equity was established in 2020 as a five-year, $100 million special, one-time initiative to address the root causes of gaps in outcomes experienced in the U.S. by Black and African American people in the education, health, finance and criminal justice systems. Over the past five years the center invested in initiatives that aimed to uplift all communities, completing its work in June 2025. 

The center empowered communities by supporting research, advocacy, and innovative interventions that fostered better outcomes for people. The center’s philanthropic investments complemented and extended the impact of Walmart’s business efforts in sourcing, health and wellness, economic mobility, and creating a culture of belonging where associates feel seen, supported, and able to achieve their full potential.

Through the center, by convening a wide range of nonprofits, community leaders, and experts, we encouraged others to develop useful tools and insights, share best practices, and advocate for equitable outcomes. We believe a collaborative approach, with a broad range of best-in-class grantees, helped us accelerate and maximize progress.

The initiatives we invested in to uplift all communities included:

• Education: On-the-job upskilling and non-degree credentials to help working adults get a better start and advance in their careers.
• Criminal Justice: Youth training and employment programs to deter young people from involvement in the criminal justice system.
• Finance: Access to capital and business development programs to help entrepreneurs thrive in historically underserved communities.
• Health: Culturally relevant food access and nutrition programs to promote better health outcomes among people at higher risk of cardiometabolic diseases.