The Taco Bell Foundation recently announced its largest-ever annual grant of $28 million to almost 500 nonprofit organizations across the United States. The unprecedented funding, a $5 million increase from last year, highlights the Foundation’s growing commitment to supporting programs that help promising youth overcome challenges and build successful careers.
By prioritizing access to resources and opportunities, the Taco Bell Foundation is continuing its 30-year mission to uplift future leaders through career development, mentorship, and education.
Taco Bell Foundation Executive Director Lisa Lane Cardin said, “We believe that empowering young people is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the future. It’s an honor to partner with these 500 nonprofit partners as they create real, lasting impact in the communities our fans, Team Members, and franchisees call home. This record investment is a testament to the power of community-driven change and the limitless potential that exists when we remove barriers and open doors.”
The Community Grants initiative directly reflects the values of the Taco Bell community, striving to uplift the youth in areas where Taco Bell fans, Team Members, and franchisees live and work.
In alignment with the brand’s ethos of bold thinking and cultural empowerment, the Foundation partners with nonprofits that take innovative approaches to help young people succeed. These organizations provide services in academic achievement, college and career readiness, mentorship, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and mental well-being, forming a comprehensive support system for youth development.
The Foundation’s nomination-based grant model empowers local franchisees to recommend organizations making a difference in their own neighborhoods, ensuring funds are invested where they’re needed most. This year’s grants prioritize career readiness (45% of funding), followed by academic success (29%) and college preparation (11%).
In addition to these efforts, the Foundation continues to support its Live Más Scholarship, which has awarded over $64 million in the past decade.
Learn more about this year’s grant recipients here.