The Sprint Foundation

Since its establishment in 1989, the Sprint Foundation has provided more than $105M to community organizations across the country. We know the positive impact we can have, and each year we touch hundreds of education, youth development, arts and culture and other community-enriching organizations. Through direct grants and a robust matching gifts program for employees and retirees, the Foundation creatively and thoughtfully delivers Sprint's commitment to championing our communities.

2008 Results

In 2008, Sprint Foundation grants totaled more than $6.5 million. More than $657 thousand of this total went to match employee contributions to education, youth development and arts and culture organizations. The Foundation made 754 community grants outside of the Employee Matching Gift program that targeted our funding priorities.

Sprint Foundation Funding Priorities

Education
The Foundation is committed to supporting K-12 education, particularly those initiatives that focus on character education. In 2008, the Sprint Foundation launched a national education grant program and awarded more than $607 thousand in grant funding. The Sprint Character Education Grant Program promotes leadership, youth volunteerism, character education and school pride. For more information about this program please visit this link: www.sprint.com/responsibility/education/character

Arts and Culture
The Foundation supports visual and performing arts organizations, theatres, symphonies, museums and other cultural organizations and activities that contribute to a thriving and diverse community.

Youth Development
The Foundation focuses its resources on mentoring programs, leadership initiatives, social skills, volunteerism and programs that support business and economic education for youth.

Community Development
Sprint supports regional initiatives that contribute to a strong civic infrastructure and a vibrant, healthy community. On a national level, the Foundation matches funds raised for our national food drive and United Way pledges made by Sprint employees who participate in the corporation’s national campaign.

Geographic Focus

Over 85% of Sprint's community grants provide support within key Sprint employee communities including Kansas City, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, and New York City. The remaining grants are directed through employee matching gifts or through select national programs.

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding consideration from the Sprint Foundation organizations submitting grants must:

• Focus on at least one of the funding priorities (K-12 education, arts & culture, youth development, or community development)
• Support either a national program, or local program focused in one of Sprint's key employee communities (Kansas City, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, and New York City)
• Comply with applicable laws regarding registration and reporting
• Have financials available for independent outside audit and all potential contributors
• Be a non-profit tax exempt organization under Section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue code (unless a public school or library). If you are requesting funding for a public school, please utilize our education specific program. (Information is available at www.sprint.com/responsibility/education/character)

Ineligible Requests

• Individuals
• Political organizations (This includes lobbying organizations)
• Private charities or foundations
• Organizations not exempt under Section 501c3 of the Internal Revenue Code
• Organizations that advocate religious beliefs or restrict participation on the basis of religion
• Requests to support travel, conference or seminar costs
• Film, music, TV, video and media production projects
• International organizations or individuals
• School-affiliated teams, bands/choirs or events
• Marketing, sports, event sponsorships (these are handled through Sponsorships)

Endowments, capital campaigns, memorial, construction and renovation projects are also generally excluded.

Grant Application Process

The Sprint Foundation asks that you submit your grant request online by clicking on Foundation Grants Requests. The Sprint Foundation accepts and reviews unsolicited proposals from January 2nd through November 20th. Grants submitted in December will not be reviewed until January. Before starting the online application, please review the eligibility guidelines above. Your proposal will be reviewed and a response provided within 90 days.