The Taco Bell Foundation is committed to working to keep students on the path to graduation and helping to discover their passion. To fulfill our mission, each year, grants and scholarships are distributed back to communities where we do business. These efforts are made possible because of our generous customers, employees, vendor partners and local Taco Bell® leadership. The funds raised through the Taco Bell Foundation’s campaign efforts also help support our key educational initiatives, including partnerships with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Graduate for Más – an online platform powered by Get Schooled that provides teens with the tools and inspiration to graduate from high school and achieve their full potential.

The Taco Bell Foundation recognizes that there are many worthy teen-serving organizations throughout the country and wishes all could be supported. Since 2014, the Taco Bell Foundation has been following an invitation-only application process. Please see our Funding Guidelines and FAQs below for more information and how you can apply for a Taco Bell Foundation grant.

Funding Guidelines

To uphold the Taco Bell Foundation mission, approved Taco Bell grantees must use provided monies towards experiences or programs that fulfill the following requirements, including:

– Enabling teens to discover and eventually pursue their career and/or educational interests. Examples include, but are not limited to: college/vocational tours, job shadow experiences, mentorship programs, GED support, career exploration.

– Allowing teens to participate in a program or experience that meets the following:

Real-world, hands-on learning Interactive with real students, professors, mentors and/or career professionals Inspiring and fun!

All approved organizations must meet the following criteria:

Ability to fulfill the above requirements 501 (c)(3) IRS approved organization Broad base of funding support and long-term organizational strategic plan Dedicated staff that’s capable of executing funded experience or program Able to spend all granted funds on the approved program by end of grant term

Organizations that fall within the below criteria are not eligible for funding:

Debt reduction, capital campaigns, endowments, annual fund appeals Individuals (Taco Bell Foundation scholarship recipients excluded) Projects/programs limited to a specific race, creed, national origin, handicap or ethnicity Fundraising sponsorships Program costs that have already concluded Events, venues, clubs and associations linked to a specific political party or religion Programs or events sponsored by competitors in a quick service restaurant category

As you can imagine, we receive many worthy proposals from teen-serving organizations throughout the country. While we would like to fund all requests, we are unable to do so. If our team thinks your program is a suitable fit, you will be included in our 2016 local giving invitation, which will be sent spring 2016. Due to the volume of requests, we will be unable to provide an update.

How many applications can my organization submit? Invited organizations are permitted to submit one funding request for 2016.

What is the general grant size? Taco Bell Foundation does not have a fixed grant range. Many factors, including the proposed experience, funds available and the organization making the request, determine grant amounts. Based on the previous years, grant amounts typically range from $1,500 to over $100,000.

If awarded a grant, what other requirements do you have beyond using the funds towards an approved experience/program? Grantee requirements are detailed within the online application. If invited to apply, your organization will receive details at that time.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT Who can help me if I’m experiencing challenges with the online application system? Please email CGsupport@CyberGrants.com

I submitted a request to the CyberGrants support team. How soon will I hear from them? The CyberGrants team will respond to support requests within 48 hours.

GENERAL QUESTIONS Who do I contact if I have general local giving questions? Please email TBFLocalGiving@TacoBell.com. Your email will be answered within five to seven business days.