Walmart Giving Program (Everything You Need to Know)
When a company is as profitable as Walmart, the largest retailer in the world, you would expect them to be generous as well.
Fortunately, Walmart stores are making a difference in their communities through the company’s giving program, which works in partnership with leaders in charitable giving.
But what is the Walmart giving program, and does it work? I have the information you and your organization need!
What is the Walmart Giving Program?
The Walmart Giving Program partners with leading charitable organization Good360. Through Good360, Walmart provides a platform for its individual stores to distribute products among charitable organizations and distribute them to those in need. To receive Good360 donations, organizations must select a partner store and complete a simple application process.
For more information on how the Walmart Giving Program works, what to expect with each typical donation, and even whether you can accept financial donations for your organization, see all the details below!
How does the Walmart Giving Program work?
Walmart funds charitable item donations through its partner, Good360, a global leader in philanthropy.
Good360 also partners with retailers such as The Home Depot, Williams-Sonoma and Bed Bath and Beyond on giving programs.
Interested nonprofits must go through a simple application process, starting with selecting the right store for their travel capacity.
As a side note, the applicant must pay an administration fee to complete the transaction, and if approved, the applicant will be notified by email and sent an authorization form.
Once accepted, the organization will have to arrange to pick up weekly donated items (food not included) at a Walmart of their choice.
Pickup frequency may vary, and the number of donated items may vary based on the size and inventory of Walmart stores.
Finally, these store-specific partnerships are valid for one year.
How do you contact Walmart to make a donation?
To notify Walmart of your interest in participating in their donation program, you must apply by finding a donation store.
You can do this by visiting the Good360 Donor Map or Donor List, where you must create an account and log in to view it.
Also, the Good360 page has helpful information and insights on choosing a store to donate to; they point out that you need to be picky about distance.
Why? Because, as they say, 50 miles at a time doesn’t seem like much, but if you have to do that trip every week (or twice a week), it can become a hassle.
Then you want to make sure you have all the proper documentation as you should hear from Good360 within three days.
(Documents pertaining to your location, organizational financial records, etc.)
Once you receive confirmation of approval, you will need to respond with the information they request. You have three days, if you are late your application will be rejected.
Once complete, you will wait up to five days for final approval to be processed. Once that’s done, you can start planning for your organization’s charity fundraising.
What can you expect to receive in a Walmart donation?
There really isn’t any way to evaluate Walmart donations ahead of time.
It depends on many factors, but most importantly, the specific store you work with.
Common items like clothes, furniture, sports equipment, or DIY tools can find their way into your suitcase. These are usually overstock, returns, or sale items.
Everything can be packed in one large box or several smaller boxes. An SUV or truck with a hat on is a safe bet.
How do you get a Walmart donation?
Walmart boxes and prepares to ship donated items; it’s the organization that hosts them that picks them up.
In most cases, you’ll likely start out on a weekly pickup schedule, but the store can switch it up for you twice a week or even every two weeks.
In addition, it is recommended that you remain as flexible as possible and be prepared for possible pickup day schedule changes.
Most importantly, be on time! Whatever time you have or are able to arrange, be polite and respect that agreement.
What are the limitations of the Walmart Giving Program?
The Walmart Giving Program has some limitations.
First, the product you received is not for resale. In fact, you must black label the product you receive.
Black labels are easy – you just use a black marker to draw a vertical line across the barcode.
This ensures that the barcode cannot be read (and reduces the risk of scammers profiting off Walmart’s charity).
If the product label comes off cleanly, that’s another option before dispersing the item.
These items must also be donated to those in need, sick or youth and may not be appropriated or used by organization staff, or gifted to staff.
They also may not be shared with other nonprofit organizations.
Can you ask Walmart for a donation?
Walmart does not substitute monetary donations for products through its Good360 program.
Instead, the company runs a separate program to provide funding.
Walmart’s grants fall into four categories: Creating Opportunity, Advancing Sustainability, Strengthening Communities, and Centers for Racial Equity.
Here’s a handy guide and more info.
To learn more about Walmart’s services and programs, you can also check out our related articles on Walmart University Program, Walmart Tax Free Program and Walmart DSV Program.
in conclusion
Walmart’s partnership with the Good360 organization allows them to donate millions of dollars worth of merchandise to community nonprofits that can go to those in need.
Through a simple and straightforward application process, nonprofits can partner with local stores to begin picking up donated items each week.
This is just one of the ways Walmart is using its massive economic clout to benefit the masses.
