How to Apply
Community Trees—FAQs

We have an E.I.N. number but not a 501 (c)(3). Can we still apply?
The Home Depot Foundation will only fund non-profit organizations that are designated as tax-exempt under Rule 501(c)(3) by the Internal Revenue Service in the United States or that have a notification of registration and confirmation of registration from the Canadian Customs and Revenue Agency Charities Division in Canada.

Are there specific types of organizations or programs that the Foundation will not fund?
The Home Depot Foundation does not make grants for any of the following:

  • Organizations that are not 501(c)(3) or Revenue Canada designated charities
  • Scholarships or other direct support to individuals
  • Religious, fraternal, political, labor, athletic or social groups
  • Capital campaigns, endowments or endowed chairs
  • Institutional overhead/indirect costs
  • Capital investments
  • Equipment purchases not part of a larger program request
  • Projects for political or religious purposes
  • Special events, such as conferences, dinners, sports competitions or art exhibits
  • Courtesy or journal advertising campaigns
  • Film, music, television, video or media production projects or broadcast underwriting
  • Activities of organizations serving primarily their own membership
  • United Way chapters (The Home Depot company provides support to United Way)

How do I access my application? I've saved it and when I try to open it, I get a blank application.
If you set up your account properly, you would have received an e-mail confirmation with a web site link to access your account. If a blank application comes up when you go to that site, go to the bottom of the page, click on "save and finish later" and put in your password.

What do we do if our date of incorporation isn't listed?
Use the earliest date available in the drop down window. Make a note under the Organization Mission section of the actual date of incorporation.

Which geographic area do I use if more than one apply?
Choose the city closest to the area for which you are requesting funding. If more than one geographic area apply, make a note of the locations to be served in the Detailed Project Description section.

Regarding "total revenue and expenses" do you want numbers from our fiscal year or the calendar year?
Please report this information for your fiscal year. Information from audited financials is strongly preferred.

Restrictions indicate that United Way Chapters are ineligible. If our organization has received funding from United Way are we ineligible as well?
United Way Chapters are ineligible for Foundation funding because they receive support directly from The Home Depot. An organization that has received funding from the United Way is eligible for a grant from the Foundation.

What does The Home Depot Foundation expect of its grantees?
All organizations selected for a grant will be asked to sign a Grant Agreement before receiving their grant. The Home Depot Foundation also provides all grantees with a grant report form that is to be completed on the anniversary of the date of they received the grant. The report informs the Foundation what the organization accomplished with the funding during the grant term. If an evaluation is not submitted, the organization will be ineligible for future grants.

For additional questions regarding your online application, see Application Help

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