WM – Charitable Contributions Program
Rolling Community Giving Supporting Environmental Stewardship, Workforce Development, Sustainability Education, Supplier Diversity, and Community Vitality
WM’s Charitable Contributions program supports local organizations and public entities working to strengthen safe, sustainable, and vibrant communities. Through this program, WM considers charitable contribution requests from eligible 501(c)(3) organizations and public organizations whose work aligns with WM’s community impact priorities.
Organization: WM
Support Type: Charitable contributions
Geographic Focus: Communities where WM operates
Deadline: Rolling; applications are accepted year-round and reviewed on a continuous basis
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Read our Corporate Grants for Nonprofits: Ultimate Guide to learn how corporate funding works.
About the Funder
WM is a leading environmental services company focused on sustainability, recycling, waste management, and community impact. Through its charitable giving efforts, WM works with local leaders, organizations, and partners on initiatives that support meaningful community engagement and help build safer, healthier, and more sustainable places to live.
What This Program Supports
WM gives priority consideration to organizations and initiatives aligned with the following focus areas:
Environmental Stewardship
Programs that preserve and enhance renewable resources, promote environmental responsibility, and empower community members to become environmental stewards.
Workforce + Skills Development
Initiatives that provide individuals with the tools, training, and skills needed to succeed in the workforce while supporting employees, customers, neighbors, and the environment.
Sustainability Education
Programs that equip individuals with knowledge and resources to strengthen communities and support resilient, sustainable places to live.
Supplier Diversity
Efforts that address inequity and economic development for underserved groups through collective impact, collaboration, education, and sustainability-focused initiatives.
Community Vitality
Programs that help ensure neighborhoods and communities are safe, sustainable, and supportive environments for residents, customers, employees, and stakeholders.
Eligible Support Types
Charitable contributions
Community impact funding
Support for nonprofit and public-purpose programs
Local initiatives reviewed by WM team members in the applicant’s community
Eligibility & Preferences
WM supports:
501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
Public organizations that use donations exclusively for public purposes
Requests should align with one or more of WM’s charitable giving priorities and demonstrate clear community benefit.
All requests are reviewed by WM team members in the applicant’s community, and local teams allocate funds based on community needs and priorities.
Ineligible Requests
WM’s Charitable Contributions program does not fund:
Individuals
Travel by groups or individuals
Individual fundraising events such as walks, runs, and similar events
Religious organizations that limit services to members of one religious group or whose purpose is to promote a particular religious faith or creed
Political candidates or lobbying organizations
Endowments or foundations
Organizations with a limited constituency, such as fraternities or labor groups
Organizations with discriminatory policies regarding ethnic background, gender, religious affiliation, or similar factors
Anti-business groups
Exceptions may be considered for religious organizations when the program benefits the broader community, such as a church-operated community soup kitchen.
WM also typically does not financially support:
Operating costs
Capital campaigns
Individuals
Funding Amounts
WM does not publish standard charitable contribution amounts. Award levels likely vary based on the request, local community priorities, alignment with WM’s focus areas, and available funding.
Timeline & Review
📅 Application Deadline: Rolling / year-round
📅 Review Process: Continuous review
📅 Estimated Review Period: Approximately two months
📅 Decision-Making: Requests are reviewed by WM team members in the applicant’s community
Because WM receives a large number of requests, applicants should plan ahead and allow at least two months for review.
Application / Request Process
Organizations interested in applying should submit a charitable contribution request through WM’s online Charitable Donations submission system.
Applicants should be prepared to provide:
Organization name and nonprofit or public organization status
Contact information
Program or project description
Requested amount or type of support
Community served
Alignment with WM’s giving priorities
Expected community impact
Timing for when support is needed
Apply / Learn More:
➡️ WM Community Impact & Charitable Giving
Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit
This opportunity is a strong fit for organizations that:
Serve communities where WM operates
Focus on environmental stewardship, sustainability, workforce development, community vitality, or equitable economic opportunity
Are 501(c)(3) nonprofits or public organizations using funds for public purposes
Can demonstrate clear local community benefit
Have enough lead time to allow for an estimated two-month review period
Are seeking charitable support for community-based programs rather than general operating costs or capital campaigns
WM’s Charitable Contributions program is best suited for community organizations whose work connects to sustainability, environmental responsibility, workforce readiness, local safety, neighborhood wellbeing, and resilient communities.
Corporate Grants Guide Notes
Review Type: Rolling review
Deadline: Applications accepted year-round
Estimated Review Period: Approximately two months
Support Type: Charitable contributions
Funding Amount: Not published
Best Suited For: 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public organizations focused on environmental stewardship, sustainability education, workforce development, supplier diversity, and community vitality
