We know that Walmart is a successful corporation, selling goods throughout the world, but that is not all they do. You may be surprised by the impact Walmart is making through their many philanthropic efforts, local and world-wide. Today’s guest, Julie Gehrki, explains the various ways Walmart is supporting nonprofits through their new social impact program, Spark Good.
Rob’s guest, Julie Gehrki, is the Vice President of Philanthropy at Walmart. Last year, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation provided more than $1.5 billion in cash and in-kind to support programs that align with their philanthropic priorities. Through the combined philanthropic efforts of both Walmart and the Walmart Foundation, Walmart is creating opportunities for people to live better every day.
Julie shares information on Walmart’s new social impact program, Spark Good, and how it is meeting both the needs of customers and the local nonprofits they want to support. She explains the four main tools that make up the Spark Good program, and how each of these tools offer support to the various needs nonprofits may have. Julie also shares that Walmart often matches customer donations and fulfills the material requests of the nonprofits they work with. Julie believes companies cannot have real impact if they are not truly listening. That is why Walmart is trying to thoughtfully walk alongside both local communities and nonprofits, to really understand their needs. Julie offers advice to large companies who are seeking to make an impact by becoming involved in philanthropy. Finally, she shares some insight into Walmart as a whole and what she wishes more people knew about the corporation.
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Mentioned:
Walmart.org
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Links to Resources:
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