Walmart is a familiar brand recognized around the world. While most consumers are familiar with this retail giant, not as many know just how much the company does in terms of charitable giving. Last year, over 467 million dollars was donated by Walmart in the form of cash and other donations. Based on an announcement today from Walmart, the company is on track to continue with their charitable donations again in 2010. According to this announcement, the Walmart Foundation is giving “$3.4 million in grants to nonprofits focused on helping Americans get back to work. Specifically supporting programs that take regional approaches to developing and deploying a skilled workforce, this funding will benefit seven nonprofits across the US.”

When people think of charitable donations, the first thing that comes to mind is cash assistance or the donating of a much needed product. In this case, the need is for skills necessary to be competitive in the workplace. Americans who are looking to improve their skill set in order to compete in a limited job market can benefit from grants applied to nonprofits in their area. The following seven organizations have been named to receive between $400,000 and $550,000 in grants to help members of their community improve their quality of life with long term employment.

  • San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (Cali-Baja region)
  • Workplace, Inc (NE region- Connecticut, New York)
  • Mid American Regional Council (Serving Kansas and Missouri Kansas City area)
  • Lancaster County Workforce Investment Board (Lancaster, Pennsylvania)
  • West Central Job Partnership, Inc. (Pennsylvania and Ohio region)
  • Montgomery Institute (Eastern Mississippi)
  • West Michigan Strategic Alliance (Western Michigan)

This financial help could not come at a better time. With record numbers of Americans dealing with unemployment and financial hardship, being able to find and keep well paying jobs is a top priority. Despite conflicting reports regarding the direction of employment opportunities in the country, most people can agree being at the top of your game is the best way to ensure long term employment. By targeting area organizations that help people in their region, these grants can be best utilized by people who live in areas that are known to have difficulty recruiting and maintaining skilled workers.

For more information on this and other ways the Walmart Foundation provides assistance to those in need, visit their website. If you live in any of the areas noted, contact the individual organization to learn more about how they can help you reach personal and professional goals.