Three Central Ohio Groups Receive Grants from Walmart Foundation

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation recently presented grants totaling $100,000 to three central Ohio non-profit organizations that work to help others live better. The grants were made available through the Foundation’s State Giving Council which is awarding grants totaling $200,000 to five non-profit organization this week.

Walmart representatives from central Ohio gathered at the Walmart Supercenter in Dublin to recognize the following organizations for their service to the community:

• Lutheran Social Services CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence will receive a $31,000 grant to help domestic violence victims and their children with services in and outside of its shelter.
• Canine Companions for Independence will receive a $25,000 grant to provide assistance dogs with people with disabilities and help them to live more independently.
• The iBelieve Foundation will receive a $44,000 grant to purchase two vehicles to reach more youth in Appalachia with educational programs that teach leadership and problem-solving skills and ultimately close the college access gap that affects so many in this region.

“Helping organizations in our communities that help others is something that is very important to Walmart and the Walmart Foundation,” said Jeff Stone, Walmart Market Manager for central Ohio. “We recognize these organizations and the services they provide are essential to building stronger communities. We are proud to support their efforts to help families and individuals in need.”

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation look for organizations that address the needs of the communities they serve and make a significant social impact within Walmart’s core areas of giving: hunger relief and healthy eating, sustainability, women’s economic empowerment, workforce development and education.

“This generous grant from Walmart will support LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence in helping victims and their children, both in and outside of our shelter, recover from the trauma of their abuse and gain independence and self-sufficiency so they can begin lives free from violence,” said Sue Villilo, CHOICES Executive Director.

“Canine Companions assistance dogs help people with disabilities to live fuller, more independent lives. Support from the Walmart Foundation helps to ensure that assistance dogs are provided free of charge to people with disabilities living in Ohio” said Megan Koester, Executive Director of Canine Companions for Independence’s North Central Region. “Our dogs open doors to new opportunities and help people with disabilities to become more engaged members of their local communities. We cannot thank the Walmart Foundation enough for providing the gift of independence to people with disabilities.”

"As a premier leadership organization, we are always working to expand available opportunities to impact our community,” said Patrick Klein, Founder and Executive Director of the iBelieve Foundation. “Support from the Walmart Foundation funds that initiative. With these resources, we will break boundaries to increase program accessibility for students in every Appalachian county of Ohio and West Virginia."

The nonprofit organizations that were recognized at other local events across the state include:

• Freestore Foodbank in Cincinnati received a $60,000 to purchase a truck that will be used to deliver more fresh produce to partner food pantries throughout the region.
• Lancaster-Fairfield Community Action Agency received a $40,000 grant to replace the roof of the agency’s Choice Food Pantry. The agency will also use funds to purchase a box truck to enable the agency to provide fresh foods more efficiently to the low-income families of Fairfield County.