Grants offered to Nonprofit Organizations by Staples Foundation for Learning

Nonprofit organizations have a friend in The Staples Foundation for Learning, which has awarded nearly $300,000 in grants to support the development of youth programs. Staples Foundation is a private foundation founded by the office supply company Staples, Inc. The purpose of the foundation is to support nonprofit organizations that provide educational professional and social opportunities that at risk youths need to succeed.

The Staple's Foundation for Learning's mission is to "teach, train, and inspire the next generation of community leaders," says Ron Sargent, president of Staples Foundation for Learning and chief executive officer of Staples, Inc. Sargent also says that "we remain committed to helping youth realize their full potential." The Foundation was founded in 2002 and has contributed more than $17 million to nonprofit organization with local and worldwide service areas. The main areas of focus are addressing those nonprofit organizations that help disadvantaged youth.

The Foundation for Learning is determined to encourage the education of young people and foster their human potential. The Staples Foundation for Learning strives to encourage children of all ages and backgrounds to discover the joy of academic achievement. It is the belief of the Foundation that building a love of knowledge is a fundamental achievement and will be invaluable to their success.

Another key component stressed by the Foundation is the ability to train young people with various vocational skills that can truly make a difference in their lives and the lives of their families. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations who offer assistance and training to individuals who opt to use their hands, hearts, and minds to be contributing members of their communities.

Finally, the Foundation for Learning seeks to inspire a new breed of children to hope for a greater future. It is the hope of the Foundation to inspire and set an example of achievement, by supplying the means for inspiration and encouragement. This is believed to be the foundation for children to be able to learn and grow.

To be eligible to apply for Staple's Foundation grant funds the organization must have nonprofit tax exempt status and possess a mission that focuses on job skills and education. The Foundation for Learning seeks to solicit and request grant applications from nonprofit organizations that fit within the mission of the Foundation and aims to support programs that provide job skills and/or education for all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth. Grants are awarded three times a year. While the grants are only awarded to nonprofit organizations, the funds can be used for both program and operational expenses. Those program expenses can be used to create services (which could include the creation of a social enterprise) that positively impact their communities.

The Staples Foundation for Learning has awarded grants to several nonprofit organizations including the Boys and Girls Club, City Year, Horizons for Homeless Children and the YMCA.

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