What is the Local Giving Program?

The Best Buy Children's Foundation Local Giving Program is a grant making program led by employee committees in each of our eight territories across the United States.

Best Buy has long believed in the potential of all children to thrive as individuals and contribute to their communities. Through decades of charitable giving, Best Buy has acted on its commitment to support non-profit organizations in the communities where our employees live and work. Each Best Buy territory across the United States annually selects non-profit organizations that apply for grants to support programs and services that empower early adolescents (primarily ages 12-16) to excel in school, engage in their communities and develop life and leadership skills. This year, Best Buy Children’s Foundation will give $1 million through the Local Giving Program.

 

What are the guidelines?

Funding through this program will adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Best Buy Children's Foundation:

  • Grants will average $5000-$7000 and will not exceed $10,000.
  • Non-profits located within 50 miles of a Best Buy store or Distribution Center may apply. See the Best Buy store locator at www.bestbuy.com.
  • Organizations within the Twin Cities 7 County Metro area are eligible and can apply for the Local Giving Program or the Twin Cities Fund, but not both.
  • Organizations should review the grant eligibility quiz online at http://www.easymatch.com/bestbuygrant to determine if they are eligible to apply.
 

What are the amounts of Local Giving Program grants?

Employee Governance Committees in each of our eight Best Buy territories will make final decisions about grant amounts, with an average amount of $5-7,000 and a recommended maximum of $10,000. Grants are awarded for one year and are not intended to be recurring funding. We invite grantees to re-apply in subsequent years based on program results, although there are no guarantees of multi-year grants.

 

What is the review process?

Nonprofits must submit their complete proposals online between May 15 – June 15, 2008. Then store leaders will review the applications and make recommendations for funding based on the relationship between the store and the nonprofit. The employee Governance Committee in each territory will conduct a final review and allocate funds.

May 15, 2008Request for proposals issued and application opens.
Review guidelines and apply online at www.bestbuy.com/localgiving.
June 15, 2008Deadline to submit application for 2008 grants. All applications must be submitted online - hard copy applications will not be considered.
August 2008Grant announcement and awards.
 

What is the Governance Committee?

Governance Committees are made up of 6-12 Best Buy employees throughout each territory. They receive detailed training and coaching from corporate Community Relations staff on Best Buy Children's Foundation guidelines and the grant making process.

 

Can local schools apply for funding from the Local Giving program?

Schools do not qualify for support under the Local Giving Program guidelines. Best Buy does support schools through the Best Buy Teach Award program. For more information regarding the Teach Awards and eligibility visit www.BestBuy.com/Teach. Applications will be available beginning July 1.

 

When will the nonprofits receive the grants?

Governance Committees will review applications in early July. Final decisions will be communicated to stores and nonprofits by August 1, 2008.

 

What if I have more questions?

Call 866-625-4350 or email bestbuygrants@easymatch.com