The Walmart Foundation—the company’s philanthropic arm—announced it has awarded $4 million to 12 organizations including several that are committed to helping communities of color.
“The Walmart Foundation is committed to helping advance solutions to bridge divides and build more inclusive, empathetic communities where all people have equal access to the tools and opportunities they need to reach their full potential, said Julie Gehrki, vice president of the Walmart Foundation in a provided statement. “By supporting organizations working to build trust and foster cross-sector partnerships, we’re helping to build capacity for organizations and practitioners working on the front lines to help strengthen communities.”
Among the 12 organizations awarded the funding is Coalition for Queens, a group that teaches coding and professional skills to talented adults from diverse and low-income backgrounds. The Women’s Foundation of Greater Memphis will use the funding to launch several initiatives to advance opportunities for young women of color.
The National Black Justice Coalition, another recipient, will use the money to support HBCUs and further inclusion of members of the LGBTQ community at HBCUs.
According to a spokesperson from Walmart, the funding is “part of Walmart Foundation’s larger commitment to building more inclusive and vibrant communities.”
As per the foundation’s site, it has donated more than $1.4 billion in cash and in kind. Walmart associates have also contributed more than 1.25 million hours of their time outside of work to volunteer causes.
“No matter who you are or where you are from, every individual should have access to the skills and training required to help build successful careers and lives, and we recognize there’s more work to be done to meet this urgent need,” said Gehrki.
“By supporting organizations working to remove barriers to opportunity for those who lack equal access to resources, we’re tackling these issues head on through locally driven approaches that transform communities, foster economic mobility, and help more people reach their full potential.”