Staples Associates Direct More than $2.5 Million in Community Grants Globally

Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc., today announced it awarded more than $2.5 million in grants to non-profit organizations internationally based on recommendations from Staples associates.

The 2013 grants went to more than 1,000 organizations and are part of a philanthropic initiative created by Staples Foundation, called 2 Million & Change. The initiative allows Staples associates around the world to direct funding to non-profit organizations focused on education or job skills. More than 7,000 associates participated in directing donations to their organization of choice.

In the U.S., the program encourages community engagement by awarding larger grants to organizations where associates are engaged in volunteering or fundraising – up to $25,000 per organization.

In 2013, U.S. grants were awarded to 975 local non-profit organizations in 49 states, including the following organizations:

• Boys & Girls Clubs of America (multiple local Clubs), $387,000
• John Andrew Mazie Foundation, Mass., $25,000
• Read to a Child, Mass., $25,000
• Cradles to Crayons, Mass., $20,000
• Junior Achievement Rocky Mountain, Colo., $15,000
• Erica Rae’s Kids, Colo., $10,000
• Horizons for Homeless Children, Mass., $10,000
• Special Olympics Massachusetts, Mass., $10,000

Grants support a range of education and job skills programs, including tutoring for pediatric cancer patients, skills development for individuals with disabilities, school supplies, mentoring and more.

“Staples Foundation is dedicated to making a difference in the communities where our associates live and work,” said Katy Dobbs, director of global community and giving for Staples, Inc. “We are thrilled to see so many associates participating in this program and making more happen in their local communities.”

About Staples Community and Giving

Staples contributes to educational and youth-oriented community efforts, from literacy and mentoring to career skills development, through in-kind and monetary donations and grants from Staples Foundation, the private charitable arm of Staples, Inc. Through its community and giving efforts, Staples and Staples Foundation have helped more than 6,500 organizations in 26 countries. For more information, visit www.staples.com/community.