Through decades of charitable giving totaling more than $257 million, Best Buy has supported non-profit organizations in the communities where our employees live and work.  Best Buy believes in the power of teens, and invests our resources, including the energy and talents of our employees, to provide youth with access to opportunity through technology.  As a committed community partner, we would like to invite you to participate in our 2011 Community Grants program.  Please visit our website at http://www.bestbuy-communityrelations.com/community_grants.htm for further details.

 COMMUNITY GRANTS

Through the Community Grants program, Best Buy teams across the United States select non-profit organizations that provide positive experiences to help teens to excel in school and develop life and leadership skills. This year, the Best Buy Children’s Foundation will give $2 million in Community Grants.

Best Buy seeks applications from organizations that have current 501(c)(3) tax status and are serving a diverse population of young teens in the areas of learning, life skills and leadership.  Special consideration will be given to programs that provide youth with access to opportunity through technology.

Additional criteria:

• Serve a diverse population in local or regional communities
• Build academic, leadership and life skills in early adolescents (primarily ages 13-17)
• Show positive results against a demonstrated community need
• Reach at-risk children in working families

FUNDING GUIDELINES

• Grants will average $4000-$6000 and will not exceed $10,000.
• Non-profits located within 50 miles of a Best Buy store or Regional Distribution Center may apply. See the Best Buy store locator at www.bestbuy.com and include the Best Buy location number in your grant application.
• Organizations must successfully complete the grant eligibility quiz online at http://www.easymatch.com/bestbuygrant to apply.
• Grants are awarded for one year. We invite grantees to re-apply based on program results, although there are no guarantees of multi-year grants. Previous grantees must submit a report online before applying for subsequent funding.
• Organizations within the Twin Cities 7-county metro area are eligible and can apply for the Community Grants Program or the Twin Cities Fund, but not both.

PROCESS

July 1, 2011                          Grant application opens

                                                Review guidelines and apply online at http://www.easymatch.com/bestbuygrant

August 1, 2011                     Deadline to submit application online. Hard copy applications will not be considered

October 2011                       Grant announcement and awards

QUESTIONS Go to http://www.easymatch.com/bestbuygrant or contact bestbuygrant@easymatch.com or 866-625-4350.

Grant proposals will be accepted July 1-August 1, 2011.  We are also interested in recommendations of any organization you may work with who may qualify for funding.  Please contact me should you have any questions and we wish you all the best with your continued involvement in the community!