Donation to organization to help students successfully transition to high school
CHICAGO, Illinois, January 27, 2010 – Chicago Urban League received a $75,000 contribution to assist with their NULITES program. The grant – which was given to the non-profit organization through the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program – will help seventh and eighth graders strengthen their academic, financial, and social development.
“NULITES provides a valuable resource to students and their parents in the Englewood community. Students have the opportunity to work cooperatively to enhance their educational experience and gain leadership skills that they can carry with them throughout their academic careers. They also learn the importance of giving back to their community, which is something the Chicago Urban League encourages in all of our programs,” said Herman Brewer, Acting President and CEO of the Chicago Urban League.
John Bisio of Walmart presented the $75,000 donation at Mays Academy. The grant was presented to Herman Brewer, President/CEO of Chicago Urban League, and Mays Academy Principal Dr. Patricia McCann during a check presentation at the Chicago school.
The NULITES program meets once a week during the school year, and encompasses quarterly community service projects, quarterly field trips and monthly parent meetings. While operating in three schools, the program will serve approximately 30 students per school for a total of 90 students
Through the program, educational workshops are conducted that work with students on academic skills including reading and math, test taking strategies, study skills and time management; financial literacy workshops that include basic budgeting and credit management; and conflict resolution activities. A part of the success of students relies on parental involvement. Through monthly parents’ meetings at the cooperating schools, the program enables entire households to increase career and educational achievements.
“The Walmart Foundation is very pleased to be supporting the Chicago Urban League and their NULITES program, and are committed to helping students and their families in the communities where we serve,” said Bisio. “Through this grant, we are hopeful that these students can benefit and succeed in both their school and home life.”
The contribution to the Chicago Urban League was made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s Illinois State Giving Program (SGP). Through this program, the Walmart Foundation supports organizations that create opportunities so people can live better. The Walmart Foundation State Giving Program strives to award grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities across the U.S.
Last year, Walmart stores, Sam’s Club locations and the Walmart Foundation, through the Illinois State Giving Program, gave more than $14 million to local organizations such as Special Olympics Illinois and the Illinois Food Bank Association. In Illinois, a team of local associates determine needs within each state, review eligible grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Walmart Foundation.
To be considered for support, perspective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Eligible applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum funding criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.
From February 2008 through January 2009, the Walmart Foundation awarded more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts, an $85.6 million increase over its global giving in the previous year. Walmart’s FYE 2009 giving breakdown:
- In the U.S., Walmart gave more than $378 million in cash and in-kind gifts, up from $296 million in 2007.
- In international markets, Walmart gave $45.5 million in cash and in-kind gifts, up from $41 million in 2007.
- Globally, Walmart’s customers and associates gave more than $106 million through in-store giving programs that benefit local charities.
- In total, Walmart, its Foundations, its customers and its associates supported communities around the globe with nearly $530 million in charitable contributions during FYE 2009.
Pictured: Delisa Carter, Leslie Drish (Director of Education, Chicago Urban League), Shamirah Binns, Diamond Brown, Leslie Bardo (Senior Vice President of External Affairs, Chicago Urban League), Yakerria Lanford, Akia Shipman, John Bisio (Director of Public Affairs, Walmart), Dr. Patricia McCann (Principal Mays Academy), Lemont Walker, Alderman Beale, Cedric Griffin, Irving Collier, Sherwin Whitaker (Program Manager Chicago Urban League), Dominique Mason.
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About Philanthropy at Walmart
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, Walmart – and its domestic and international foundations – gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit www.walmartfoundation.org.
About the Chicago Urban League
Established in 1916, the Chicago Urban League is a civil rights organization that empowers and inspires individuals to reach and exceed their economic potential. The Chicago Urban League supports and advocates for economic, educational and social progress for African-Americans through our agenda focused exclusively on economic empowerment as the key driver for social change. For more information, visit www.thechicagourbanleague.org and www.DriveChangeNow.org.
