The Whole Foods Market Store Giving program stands as a testament to their commitment to local communities. Driven by passionate team members, this initiative empowers local stores to address specific needs within their neighborhoods, perfectly embodying Whole Foods Market’s core mission: nourishing people and the planet. For nonprofit organizations seeking support, understanding the application process is key. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Whole Foods Application process for the Store Giving program.
Whole Foods Market provides crucial financial support twice a year to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. These grants are specifically aimed at those dedicated to improving food access, championing environmental stewardship, and tackling other closely related community needs. If your organization aligns with these values, the whole foods application is your gateway to potential funding. It’s important to note that while Store Directed Giving offers financial grants, gift card or in-kind donations are not part of this program.
Key Dates for Your Whole Foods Application in 2025
Mark your calendars! The Store Giving program operates on a biannual voting cycle. For organizations planning their whole foods application, here are the critical timelines for 2025:
Quarter 2 Vote
- Whole Foods Application Deadline: April 13, 2025
- Voting Dates: April 29 – May 11, 2025
Quarter 4 Vote
- Whole Foods Application Deadline: October 12, 2025
- Voting Dates: October 28 – November 9, 2025
These deadlines are firm, so ensure your whole foods application is submitted well in advance.
Navigating the Whole Foods Application Process
Ready to apply? The first step is to carefully review the Eligibility Guidelines. This will ensure your organization meets the criteria before you dedicate time to the whole foods application. Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, the application itself is submitted through the Whole Foods Market Community Engagement Portal.
Eligibility and Funding: Is Your Nonprofit a Match for Whole Foods Market?
Whole Foods Market is committed to partnering with impactful nonprofits. However, specific guidelines ensure that donations are directed effectively. Before starting your whole foods application, review these key eligibility points:
- Nonprofit Status: Your organization must be a registered US 501(c)(3) nonprofit, a registered Canadian charitable organization, or a UK charitable incorporated organization. Verification of nonprofit status is mandatory for all applicants as part of the whole foods application.
- Community Focus: Donations are specifically for nonprofit programs operating within the communities surrounding Whole Foods Market stores. Your whole foods application should clearly demonstrate this local impact.
- Alignment with Core Values: Proposed programs must resonate with Whole Foods Market’s Core Values. Familiarize yourself with these values and highlight the alignment in your whole foods application.
- Program Support Designation: Funding must be designated for direct nonprofit program support. General operating funds or overhead costs may not be prioritized.
It’s important to be aware that due to the high volume of whole foods applications received, not all requests can be fulfilled. Meeting the eligibility criteria is the first step, but a compelling application that clearly articulates your organization’s mission and impact is crucial.
Who is Not Eligible for Whole Foods Market Store Giving?
To ensure clarity and manage expectations regarding the whole foods application process, Whole Foods Market has outlined categories of organizations and requests that are not eligible for Store Giving donations:
- Individuals: Direct support for individuals is not provided through this program.
- Political Entities: Donations are not made to political candidates or political organizations.
- For-Profit Businesses: Only registered nonprofits are eligible; for-profit businesses are excluded.
- Discriminatory Organizations: Organizations with discriminatory practices based on race, ethnicity, or cultural group are not eligible to receive funding.
Guidelines for Recipient Charities: Maintaining Compliance
Organizations that are approved for Whole Foods Market Store Giving and become recipient charities (“donees”) must adhere to specific guidelines to maintain their qualifying status. These guidelines primarily relate to publicity and branding:
- Publicity Restrictions: Recipient charities are restricted from issuing any public statements, press releases, or advertising related to the donation or the relationship with Whole Foods Market without prior written approval from Whole Foods Market. This includes any mention of the whole foods application success.
- Use of Whole Foods Market Name and Logo: Use of the Whole Foods Market name, trademarks, service marks, or logo is strictly prohibited in any publicity or public communication without explicit prior written consent. Any approved use will be subject to Whole Foods Market’s brand guidelines and may require a separate agreement.
These guidelines are in place to protect the Whole Foods Market brand and ensure consistent messaging. Understanding and agreeing to these terms is a condition of receiving a donation through the whole foods application process.
Priority Considerations and Important Reminders for Your Whole Foods Application
While every whole foods application is reviewed carefully, priority is often given to organizations that have not recently received sponsorship or donations from Whole Foods Market within the same calendar year. It’s worth noting that funding from the Whole Foods Market Foundation (including Whole Cities, Whole Kids, or Whole Planet initiatives) does not disqualify an organization from Store Giving consideration.
Keep in mind that the application system is designed to prevent duplicate requests across multiple store locations. Submitting the same whole foods application to various stores is not permitted. Furthermore, past support does not guarantee future funding. Each funding cycle is competitive, and a new whole foods application is required for each request.
Organizations that are awarded support will be officially notified after each voting cycle. Applicants can also proactively check their whole foods application status at any time by logging into their online profile in the Community Engagement Portal.
Donation Payment Process: How Funds are Disbursed
Whole Foods Market utilizes the Benevity platform, through Versaic grants disbursement, to process donations to qualifying organizations. Benevity is a service provided by Benevity, Inc. This platform ensures efficient and secure donation distribution after the whole foods application is approved. You can learn more about Benevity HERE.
Ready to Request Support? Start Your Whole Foods Application Today
If your nonprofit organization is ready to request support and aligns with Whole Foods Market’s mission and guidelines, the next step is to visit the Community Engagement Portal and begin your whole foods application.
For organizations seeking broader, global impact opportunities, explore the Whole Foods Market Foundation:
We encourage eligible nonprofits to take advantage of the Whole Foods Market Store Giving program and submit your whole foods application to contribute to a healthier, more nourished community.
