Mission Statement: The CarMax Foundation promotes education, youth leadership, and wellness in the communities where our Associates live and work.
In FY 2011, giving by The CarMax Foundation was more than $1.45 million. This includes $178,000 in donations as part of team-building volunteer opportunities where 230 teams of CarMax Associates helped their communities with service projects.
Since 2003, The CarMax Foundation has invested more than $9 million in the communities we serve through volunteers, matching gifts, and grants.
Our philosophy
The CarMax Foundation is committed to:
- Funding programs that show measurable results and benefits to the community
- Supporting organizations that are fiscally responsible, transparent, and well managed
- Providing superior customer service
- Engaging CarMax Associates in our philanthropic efforts
Associate Programs
- Volunteer Team-Builders allow Associates to make valuable hands-on contributions to worthy causes in their local communities. Non-profits hosting CarMax volunteer teams are then eligible for a grant from The CarMax Foundation. In 2009, approximately 150 volunteer team-builders were organized across the country.
- The Matching Gifts Program helps Associates and eligible family members stretch their gifts of time and money to their favorite non-profit organizations. Associates can match any combination of their monetary donations and volunteer hours, up to $10,000 a year.
- Donation drives allow CarMax locations to contribute to their local communities in special ways. Each location has the opportunity to host up to three drives per year. Examples of donations include food, blood, or clothing drives.
- Every June, The Foundation celebrates CarMax Cares Month. Throughout the month, Volunteer Team-Builder grants are doubled to $1,000 for eligible organizations. Last June, nearly 70 volunteer teams completed projects across the country.
Education
- Eligible programs promote educational opportunities for youth and/or families.
- Educational grants have been awarded for after school programs, literacy programs, homework assistance programs, art programs, parent educational support programs, and programs dealing with cultural, environmental, and technical education.
- Grants for educational programs are awarded through The CarMax Foundation’s Regional Giving Program and Richmond Funding Program.
Youth Leadership
- Youth leadership grants have been awarded for mentoring programs, teen development programs, youth leadership camps, and civic awareness programs.
- Grants for youth leadership programs are awarded through The CarMax Foundation’s Regional Giving Program and Richmond Funding Program .
Our Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of The CarMax Foundation is comprised of eight senior managers of CarMax Auto Superstores, Inc. Our Board meets quarterly in the months of March, June, September, and December, to carefully review grant proposals.