Staples Foundation for Learning®
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  1. What is the mission of Staples Foundation for Learning (SFFL)?
  2. What types of groups does Staples Foundation for Learning support?
  3. What is the process for submitting a grant to Staples Foundation for Learning?
  4. How will Staples Foundation for Learning select organizations to support?
  5. Will organizations that do not have a 501(c)(3) certificate be considered for a grant?
  6. If my organization is selected to submit a proposal, can I fax or mail it?
  7. How do I know if my grant proposal was received?
  8. How does Staples Foundation for Learning define program expenses and operational expenses?


 1. What is the mission of Staples Foundation for Learning (SFFL)?

The mission of Staples Foundation for Learning is to provide funding to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations that provide educational opportunities and job skills to all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth.


2. What types of groups does Staples Foundation for Learning support?

Staples Foundation for Learning has developed lasting relationships with Ashoka, Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, Earth Force and Hispanic Heritage Foundation, four non-profit organizations focused on global youth entrepreneurship, inner-city businesses, the environment and Hispanic youth respectively. In addition, SFFL provides grants to hundreds of local grassroots organizations.


3. What is the process for submitting a grant to Staples Foundation for Learning?

To further maximize our contributions to communities around the world, Staples Foundation for Learning has improved its grant funding process. SFFL will no longer accept unsolicited grant proposals. The Foundation will seek out and request grant applications from organizations that fit within its mission to support non-profit organizations with programs that provide job skills and/or education for all people, with a special emphasis on disadvantaged youth. Grants will continue to be awarded three times a year.


4. How will Staples Foundation for Learning select organizations to support?

The Foundation staff will utilize a variety of criteria to determine if an organization is eligible for funding consideration, including: fit within SFFL's overall mission, program quality and geographical presence.


5. Will organizations that do not have a 501(c)(3) certificate be considered for a grant?

No, Staples Foundation for Learning will only consider grants from organizations that are verified with a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) designation, as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. The Foundation will also not accept proposals from organizations with a pending 501(c)(3) status.


6. If my organization is selected to submit a proposal, can I fax or mail it?

No, proposals can only be submitted through the online grant application process. Invited applicants will receive an email with a designated electronic invitation code to submit their proposal.


7. How do I know if my grant proposal was received?

All applicants will receive an email confirmation shortly after submission.


8. How does Staples Foundation for Learning define program expenses and operational expenses?

Program expenses are those necessary to run the daily activities of an intended program, including training and educational materials, school supplies and staff salaries. Operational expenses refer to expenses that are utilized to cover non-programmatic costs, such as rent, electricity and transportation. Staples Foundation for Learning prefers to allocate 80-100% of requested funds toward program expenses and 0-20% of requested funds toward operational expenses.