Contact: Lisa B. Nelson
1-800-331-0085
Susie Falk, for Walmart
414-232-2562
$50,000 donated to Operation Homefront for emergency assistance
MADISON, Wis., (July 14, 2010) – Operation Homefront, a Madison, Wis.-based emergency assistance agency serving military personnel, has received a $50,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation to help returning troops with financial support for essentials including rent and mortgage payments, utility bills, medical expenses and costs for household repairs.
The grant was presented to Sara Miolajczak, director of operations for the agency, by Lisa B. Nelson, senior manager of public affairs for Walmart, in ceremonies during Dane County Military Appreciation Day at the Alliant Energy Center. The presentation corresponded with Walmart ceremonies earlier in the day in Monroe, where the company opened its first store in Wisconsin 25 years ago.
“We’re pleased to support our troops and the work of Operation Homefront. This grant is our way of extending appreciation and saying ‘thank you’ for their many services and the sacrifices made by our troops and their families. Our commitment to help people to ‘Save Money. Live Better’ is shared by Operation Homefront in the work they do every day in providing emergency assistance for military families,” Nelson said.
The Operation Homefront grant was made possible through the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program (SGP). Through this program the Walmart Foundation supports organizations that create opportunities that enable people to live better. The program strives to award grants that have a long-lasting, positive impact on communities throughout the U.S. In 2009, Walmart stores, Sam’s Club locations and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $10.5 million in cash and in-kind donations to local organizations in the communities they serve in the state of Wisconsin. Through additional funds donated by customers, and Walmart and Sam’s Club associates throughout the state, the retailer’s contributions in Wisconsin totaled more than $12.0 million.
Last year, Walmart’s State Giving Program awarded grants to various organizations throughout Wisconsin. Some of the recipients included Special Olympics Wisconsin, Wisconsin Literacy, the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin and Middleton Outreach Ministry.
In Wisconsin, a team of Walmart associates from the state determines needs within communities, reviews eligible grant applications and makes 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 http://www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.
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 http://www.walmartfoundation.org.
