Fiscal Year 2008 Thank you for your interest in receiving funding from Staples Foundation for Learning.® The Foundation considers educational funding to be an investment in the future of our communities. Our goal is to help local groups with programs and services that will positively impact their communities every day. Mission and Giving Focus of Staples Foundation for Learning, Inc. The mission of Staples Foundation for Learning is to provide funding to programs that support or provide job skills and/or education for all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth. Eligibility The criteria listed below will be used to evaluate potential funding. The organization must:   •  Have a nonprofit tax-exempt classification under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.   •  Align with Staples Foundation for Learning's mission and give focus on job skills and education. Application Procedure Grant decisions will be made three times each year and all information to request a grant must be received by the indicated deadlines. Unfortunately, applications received after the deadline will not be considered. All requests submitted will receive an email response from Staples Foundation for Learning (the "Foundation") after the grant decision date. Please keep in mind that we receive far more contribution requests than we can possibly honor. As a result, we must often turn down grant applications for work that meets our eligibility requirements and is consistent with the Foundation's priorities. All grant decisions are made at the Foundation's sole discretion. Please accept our best wishes for success in your fundraising efforts. The proposal deadlines for the meeting dates currently scheduled are: September 2008 — Proposals must be submitted between June 2 and June 16 by 11:59 pm ET January 2009 — Proposals must be submitted between October 10 and October 24 by 11:59 pm ET In order to submit an online proposal, applicants should have the following information available before beginning the process: Contact name, address, phone number, and an email address. The amount you are requesting from Staples Foundation for Learning, Inc. A brief description of the organization's mission. A brief description of the program the funds would be used for as well as the community needs it serves. A statement of the program's goals and objectives. A description of the demographics of the clients for the program or service. A copy of the organization's Federal IRS 501(C) 3 certificate. The annual budget or total cost of the program, other sources and levels of funding, and the amount requested from Staples Foundation for Learning, Inc. You will be asked to indicate the percentage of requested funds that will be used toward program expenses and the percentage of requested funds that will be used toward operational expenses. A current organization income and expense budget. A list of those serving on the Board of Directors, and their affiliations. During the online application process you will have the opportunity to upload certain information, such as your organization's budget, 501(c)(3) certificate and Board of Directors list. Funding decisions will be made on a quarterly basis and all information to request a grant must be received by the indicated deadlines. Unfortunately, applications received after the deadline cannot be admitted. Please do not send samples, artwork, books, videos, or materials in binders or folders. Material submitted to the Foundation cannot be returned to the applicant and becomes the property of Staples Foundation for Learning. To begin your online grant application process, click here. Limitations Staples Foundation for Learning will not make contributions to support the following: Public schools without 501(c)(3) status Proposals from organizations located in Alaska and Hawaii Capital campaigns Athletic teams/events Fiscal sponsors Government agencies Substance abuse agencies Individuals Educational loans Organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, gender, or national origin International organizations Travel expenses or fees for conferences or conventions Political organizations Books, research papers or articles in professional journals Medical research projects or medical procedures for individuals Religious organizations, unless they are engaged in a significant project that benefits a broad base of the community Fraternal organizations, veterans' organizations, professional associations, and similar membership groups Public or commercial broadcasting programs Contact Questions regarding the foundation or the application process can be emailed to: foundationinfo@staples.com All requests submitted will receive an email response from Staples Foundation for Learning after the quarterly grant decision date. Please keep in mind that we receive far more contribution requests than we can possibly honor. As a result, we must often turn down grant applications for work that meets our eligibility requirements and is consistent with the priorities of our foundation. All grant decisions are made at the foundation's sole discretion. Please accept our best wishes for success in your fundraising efforts.