Some of you I have already emailed about this topic, but I wanted everyone to be aware of the funds that are available to you thru your local Wal-Mart.
On Feb. 1st WM's fiscal year begins. You need to go to WM in the beginning of February to apply for a Matching Grant of Direct Grants that are available to your PTO/A. It doesn't matter if your fundraiser isn't until October, apply now. WM will too run out of money and you need to apply now to hold some money for your event. WM has an set amount that they can spend a month/year.
WM will match a fundraiser that you have planned up to $1000.00. They also have Direct Grants, you do not have to have a fundraiser for this grant. I know that this can be sort of confusing, however, I want everyone to know that they can get so much money from their WM. If you need more info then go to
www.walmartfoundation.org
and go to Community Grants. It explains it for you.
Also, if you know of anyone that is an associate of WM...get them into your schools to volunteer 25 hours in 6 months. Your PTO/A can receive $250.00 every 6 months for their time spent in your school or event. This is called Volunteerism Always Pays (VAP Award).
I hope that you have all marked your calendar for February 1st (or soon there after) to apply for the matching grants and/or direct grants. Make sure that you tell them that your PTO/A and school supports the WM store even if you are not in the same county...especially if you currently do not have a WM in your county. Go talk to the STORE MANAGER or the Grant Coordinator. ( Not all stores will have a coordinator.
I hope this helps you all in getting NEW money that is right there for the community.
~B
[ 01-19-2006, 05:53 PM: Message edited by: PTOCES ]