Before Applying
Review the giving themes that reflect our funding priorities: Access to Postsecondary Education, Preservation of Natural Resources and Good Neighbor Grants (Central Florida only).
Eligible organizations must:
- Certify tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code;
- Not discriminate in their membership or provisional services on the basis of race, religion, creed, national origin, disability, handicap, age, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law; and
- Satisfactorily complete our Nonprofit Compliance form as part of the grant application process.
While the Foundation is always committed to supporting organizations throughout the communities we serve, we are unable to respond favorably to every request. Generally, Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation does not support the following:
- Event sponsorships (walks, runs, etc.);
- National or local chapters of disease-specific organizations;
- Health-related funding requests;
- Religious organizations for religious purposes;
- Political candidates or lobbying organizations;
- National conferences, sports events and other one-time, short-term events;
- Capital campaigns;
- Travel expenses for groups or individuals;
- Individuals seeking scholarships; and
- Athletic team sponsorships or scholarships.
After Applying
The Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation reviews and awards grants quarterly. Darden's fiscal year runs from the beginning of June to the end of May. Due to the large volume of proposals the Foundation receives, we are unable to respond to every inquiry. However, if you are eligible for Foundation funding, we will notify your organization within 30 days following the Foundation's quarterly board meeting. If you have any questions about our funding guidelines or how to apply for a grant, please send your email inquiry to communityaffairs@darden.com.
Grant Report
The purpose of the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation Grant Report is to
obtain consistent information on the use of Foundation grant funds and to help
us meet our internal compliance requirements. This information will also be a
significant factor in considering requests for future funding.
All grantees that receive a grant payment of $5,000 and above are required
to complete this form to report to the Foundation on the progress of their grant
at least once per calendar year until all grant funds are expended. If grantee
receives multiple grants, a grant report must be filled out for each individual
grant.
Download the Grant Report
Starting in September we will begin accepting grant applications online. Please check back then.
For any questions, please contact us via email at communityaffairs@darden.com or call 407-245-5213.
