Ross Stores – Regional Giving Grants (Cycle 2 – 2026)

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Direct Grants Supporting Education and Youth Development in Local Communities

Organization: Ross Stores, Inc.
Support Type: Charitable grants
Geographic Focus: Communities where Ross Stores has a strong presence

About the Funder

Ross Stores, Inc. is a national off-price retailer committed to supporting the communities where its Associates live and work. Through its Regional Giving Program, Ross invests in a select number of nonprofit partners to create meaningful, measurable impact—particularly in education and youth-focused initiatives.

What This Program Supports

Ross prioritizes funding for organizations that align closely with its philanthropic mission, with a strong emphasis on:

Education & Youth Development

Programs that support academic achievement
Initiatives that improve access to education for underserved youth
Workforce readiness and life skills development for young people

Ross seeks organizations that demonstrate strong community impact and alignment with its focus on helping children and families thrive.

Eligible Support Types

One-year grants
General operating support
Program-specific funding

Eligibility & Preferences

Applicants must:

Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, school, or government program
Serve communities where Ross has a significant presence
Demonstrate strong alignment with Ross’ philanthropic priorities

Additional considerations:

Organizations that have received funding for three consecutive years are not eligible in 2026
Only a select number of applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal after the initial review

Funding Amounts

$10,000
$20,000
$30,000

Ross expects to award approximately 60 grants across all 2026 cycles.

Timeline & Review

📅 Cycle 2 Letter of Inquiry Window: July 6 – July 24, 2026
📅 Application Process: Two փուլ process (Letter of Inquiry → Invitation-only full proposal)
📅 Review: Competitive, invitation-based for full proposals

Application / Request Process

Submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) through Ross’ online portal during the Cycle 2 window
Selected organizations will be invited to submit a full proposal
LOIs are not accepted via email, mail, or fax

Apply / Learn More:

➡️ https://corp.rossstores.com/responsibility/giving-guidelines/regional-giving-guidelines/

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This opportunity is a strong fit for organizations that:

Serve youth and families in communities where Ross operates
Focus on education, access, and long-term success for young people
Can demonstrate clear, measurable impact
Are seeking mid-sized corporate grants with potential for ongoing partnership

Ross’ Regional Giving Program is best suited for organizations with strong local presence and a clear alignment to youth-focused outcomes.

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Review Type: Competitive, multi-stage (LOI required)
Typical Lead Time: Plan ahead for submission windows
Best Suited For: Youth-serving nonprofits and education-focused organizations in Ross markets

New to corporate grant fundraising?
Read our Corporate Grants for Nonprofits: Ultimate Guide to learn how corporate funding works.