The CarMax Foundation seeks to promote automobile passenger safety and improve the communities in which our Associates live and work. Through the Grants Program, we award grants and provide support to high-quality programs managed by nonprofit organizations.
Regional Giving Program
Grant recipients of the Regional Giving Program are recommended by committees of appointed store Associates. These chosen nonprofits are invited to apply for a regional grant. The CarMax Foundation Board of Directors reviews the applications and selects the grant recipients who then partner with CarMax Associates in their local community and the CarMax Foundation throughout the fiscal year.
The selected nonprofits should:
- Promote either (a) educational opportunities for children and families or (b) youth leadership; and
- Show a demonstrable need based upon the (a) demand for the program or (b) population served by the program
Richmond Funding Program
The Richmond Program is designed to make the Greater Richmond, Virginia area a positive place for families to live and work. This past year, The CarMax Foundation awarded $200,000 to 7 Richmond-area organizations. Associates in our hometown support many of these organizations through volunteerism or monetary donations.
Supported Richmond nonprofits should:
- Promote either (a) educational opportunities for children and families or (b) youth leadership; and
- Show a demonstrable need based upon the (a) demand for the program or (b) population served by the program
National Funding Program
The CarMax Foundation helps nonprofit organizations that are either national in scope or have a presence in several CarMax market areas. $100,000 was donated to national organizations this past year.
These programs should either:
- Address and improve auto safety for children and families; or
- Build a competitive workforce through automotive technical training
Eligibility
The CarMax Foundation accepts grant proposals for support of specific programs from 501(c)(3) public charities based in the United States.
The CarMax Foundation is unable to support:
- Business ventures or requests for loan or debt retirements.
- Organizations that limit membership and services based on race, religion, color, creed, sex, age, or national origin.
- Organizations that conflict with the CarMax Auto Superstores, Inc., mission, goals, programs, or products.
- Fraternal, athletic, or social clubs.
- Labor and political organizations or campaigns.
- Requests for general operating support, capital campaigns, endowments, event sponsorships, or scholarships.
- Requests for the donation of vehicles.
Application process
- Review the eligibility guidelines to determine if your program meets all application requirements.*
- Notify The CarMax Foundation in writing that you intend to apply. This letter should include a statement about the project and the approximate date you will submit the proposal. You will only be contacted if we recommend that you do not apply.
- If your program meets the eligibility guidelines, apply online.
Application deadlines
The CarMax Foundation Board of Directors makes funding decisions four times a year. Use the tables below as a guide.
Regional Giving Program deadlines
Participation in this program is by invitation only. A CarMax Foundation regional committee can encourage nonprofits to apply for this grant. Deadlines for this program for 2009 are Feb 15, May 15, Aug 15 and Nov 15.
Richmond Program deadlines
Proposals for the Richmond Program will be reviewed annually. To be considered for this grant program, applicants should make their submissions no later than February 15 and will be notified by March 31.
National Program deadlines
| Applications received: | Applicant notified: |
| May 16 - November 15 |
December 31 |
| November 16 - May 15 |
June 30 |
Our partners
CarMax has joined with several organizations to make a bigger impact in our communities.
*Nonprofits interested in the Richmond Program or National Program are encouraged to apply for grant consideration. However, the Regional Giving Program is invitation-only. These nonprofits will be contacted if eligible.