Ross invests in a small number of direct grants to federal tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and government programs that serve a community in an area where we have a large presence and many Associates. Ross’s goal is to have a meaningful impact with our grants, and we will consider funding organizations that are strongly aligned with our philanthropic mission.

Philanthropic Mission Statement

We invest in brighter futures by supporting programs that unlock the full potential of the next generation. With a goal of building competence, confidence, and character in the young people who need us most, Ross partners with organizations that work in our communities to build academic achievement and life skills.

Eligible Programs:

Academic Achievement: Programs that build a foundation of academic competence that will help young people succeed in a competitive workforce. These include: 

• Literacy 

• STEM/STEAM 

• Tutoring 

• School clothes/supplies/technology for learning* 

• GED programs 

• Stay-in-school efforts, Anti-truancy, Attendance support, Drop-out/re-entry 

• College readiness for SAT/ACT preparation, Counseling for financial aid, grant applications, and loans, Scholarship programs

Life Skills: Programs that build confidence and character in young people. These include: 

• Mentoring 

• Financial literacy 

• After-school programs that include academics or life skills listed here 

• Leadership skills 

• Career readiness/job skills, Mock interviews, Professional dress, Resume writing, Retail- or fashion-specific career programs, excluding fashion shows

Ross will welcome requests for one-year grants of $10,000, $20,000, or $30,000, and will consider funding both general operations/overhead and specific programs.

Interested and eligible nonprofits will be asked to submit a Letter of Inquiry, followed by an invitation-only full grant proposal.

Please take the eligibility quiz, which will help determine whether organizations and programs are aligned with our mission and comply with our guidelines.

Upon completion of the eligibility quiz, eligible organizations will be prompted to register and complete an online Letter of Inquiry, which is a series of questions about the grant proposal.