The CarMax Foundation

Grants

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

The CarMax Foundation is proud to announce this new grant program. Grant recipients of the Regional Giving Program are selected by commitees 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 wtih 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
National Funding Program

The CarMax Foundation helps nonprofit organizations that are either national in scope or have a presence in several CarMax market areas. More than $560,000 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

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 more than $440,000 to more than 30 Richmond-area organizations. Associates in our hometown support many of these organizations in various ways, 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

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
  • Veteran, 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

  1. Review the eligibility guidelines to determine if your program meets all application requirements.*
  2. 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.
  3. If your program meets the eligibility guidelines, apply online.

Application deadlines

The CarMax Foundation Board of Directors makes funding decisions twice 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 select nonprofits to apply for this grant. Deadlines for this program may vary.

National Program deadlines

Applications received: Applicant notified:
May 16 - November 15 December 31
November 16 - May 15 June 30

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 August 15 and will be notified by September 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.

Contact us

The CarMax Foundation
12800 Tuckahoe Creek Parkway
Richmond, VA 23238

Email kmxfoundation@carmax.com

Phone (804) 747-0422

Kids in Distress

Kids in Distress, based in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, is an agency dedicated to helping children in need. From preventing child abuse to the care and treatment of abused and neglected children, Kids In Distress works to make the world a better place for children of all ages.

In April 2003, the CarMax Foundation announced a $30,000 grant to this amazing agency, as part of the Foundation's new Regional Giving Program.

Kids in Distress received the grant for their Therapeutic Preschool, which provides counseling in a school setting for abused or at-risk children with developmentally delayed social behaviors. The preschool's goals are to prepare these children for normal kindergarten socially and academically, and to help them start on equal footing with their peers.

"The CarMax Foundation is committed to supporting nonprofit organizations that help young people overcome life's challenges through meaningful developmental programs," said Teresa Fowler, Regional Giving Committee Chairperson of the CarMax Florida Region and CarMax Location General Manager in Fort Lauderdale. "The Kids in Distress program educates children and provides the guidance they need to grow into successful, independent adults."