Bloomington, IL– Oct. 21, 2009 – YouthBuild McLean County today received a $30,000 contribution from the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program to assist with YouthBuild workforce development diversification. The grant will help develop additional employment tracks, such as nursing, for the YouthBuild students.
“We thank the Walmart Foundation for its investment and belief in our youth,” said, Suzanne Fitzgerald, YouthBuild Executive Director. “Along with our partners, Heritage Enterprises and Career Link, we are dedicated to making this program work!”
The grant was presented to Suzanne Fitzgerald by John Bisio of Walmart during a celebration at the YouthBuild School, 502 S Morris, Bloomington.
In YouthBuild programs, low-income young people ages 17-24 work toward their GEDs or high school diplomas. In addition to their work in the classroom, YouthBuild students learn job skills by building affordable housing for homeless and low-income families. They also participate in leadership development activities in their communities. Since 1994, 76,000 YouthBuild students across the country have completed more than 17,000 units of housing in 226 of America’s most under-served communities.
“Walmart is very pleased to be supporting YouthBuild McLean County. This program is providing hands-on training that will provide these youth with experience they may not have the opportunity to gain otherwise,” said Bisio. “Through this grant, we are hopeful these young adults will have the opportunity to learn and use their skills in a future job.”
The contribution to YouthBuild McLean County was made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s Illinois State Giving Program. 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 and its Foundation, including the Illinois State Giving Program, awarded more than $14 million to local organizations such as Special Olympics of Illinois and the Illinois Food Bank Association. For the Illinois State Giving Program, a team of local associates determine needs within the 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, Walmart and its Foundations 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.
About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) 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.
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