Fiscal Year 2009 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 LearningÕs mission and give focus on job skills and education. Application Procedure Since 2002, Staples Foundation for Learning has provided millions of dollars to educational non-profit organizations making a positive difference in communities where Staples associates and customers live and work. To further maximize our contributions to communities around the world, we our improving our grant funding process. Staples Foundation for Learning will no longer accept unsolicited grant proposals. The Foundation will seek out and request grant applications from organizations that fit within our mission to support programs that provide job skills and/or education for all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth. We will continue to award grants three times a year. We appreciate your interest in Staples in Foundation for Learning and wish you the best of luck with your charitable endeavors. 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