The CARES Foundation’s focus is building stronger communities through fresh foods, access to food, and programs that support youth and helping them thrive.
When considering grant applications, The CARES Foundation will review among other things: the breadth of the audience served; the likely impact in the community; the importance of the need to be addressed in the community; and the community reputation, service history, and financial stability of the group or program seeking funds.
No single factor will be weighted more heavily than another. Instead, each group or program will be measured against all groups and two programs seeking funding at the time. For example, a program serving a small segment of the community but addresses an especially important need and thus, has the potential for a strong and meaningful impact, would be favored over a group serving a wider clientele but fills a less important community need.
Requests for grants should be a minimum of $500.00 up to $10,000.00. Programs and organizations requesting smaller grants should contact the Store Manager of the nearest Save Mart Companies’ store location for consideration. Recipients who are awarded multi-year grants must demonstrate meaningful outcomes for the previous investment made by The CARES Foundation.
The CARES Foundation does not provide funding for:
- Staff costs or organizations that carry more 20% overhead/administrative expenses
- Individuals, except to the extent selected non-profits’ work supports them
- Fundraisers or fundraising activities; capitol campaigns
- For-profit organizations, professional associations, or similar groups
- Churches, temples, synagogues, or mosques
- Any group or program that receives the majority of funding from federal, state, or local government or related agencies
Please visit your local store manager for product donation requests, youth sports team sponsorships and community organization fundraiser requests.