businesses that give back

 Target supports local communities by offering gift card donations to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and accredited schools. To request, fill out their Gift Card Request Form and drop it off at your nearest Target store at least 60 days before your event.   

ALDI Community Gift Card Program
What they offer: $100 to $1,000 grocery gift cards for local 501(c)(3)s and schools supporting after- or out-of-school youth programs, plus food banks and pantries.
Apply March 3 to November 30, 2025; an official representative must submit with tax documentation. Insider Tip from Kathy:  ALDI does have very specific guidelines for who can qualify: Local 501(c)(3) nonprofits and schools with after- or out-of-school youth programs, plus food banks and pantries seeking essentials.

 Costco supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on kids, education, and health and human services. To request a donation, fill out their Donation Request Form, drop it off at your nearest Costco, and allow 4–6 weeks for a response.    

Trader Joe’s supports local nonprofits with food and beverage donations. To request a donation, visit your local store in person. Visit website for details.

 McDonald’s supports local communities through donations and sponsorships. To request support, contact your local McDonald’s restaurant directly.
✔ Must be a registered 501(c)(3) organization
✔ Provide at least 30 days’ notice
✔ Requests typically include event details and how the donation will be used

Chick-fil-A supports local groups and events through food donations and sponsorships. Contact your local Chick-fil-A to make a request. 

Culver's restaurants are independently owned, and each donation request is decided by the franchisee. Interested in teaming up with your local Culver’s for a fundraising event?  Reach out directly to your local Culver's.

Chipotle makes it easy to request support for your organization or event. Submit your donation request online at least 4 weeks before your event date. EIN Number required.

Crew Carwash supports local groups by donating five $5 Off Ultimate Wash coupons once per year, perfect for fundraisers or event giveaways. Nonprofits can also raise funds easily through their established Crew Carwash Fundraising Program. 

Sam’s Club and Walmart offer Spark Good Local Grants to support nonprofits, schools, and community organizations in the areas where their stores and distribution centers operate. Funding amounts range from $250 to $5,000 per grant.   

 H-E-B supports local nonprofits through its Community Investment Program, offering grants, donations, and volunteer help for causes like education, hunger relief, and disaster response. Requests should be submitted at least 8 weeks prior to your event or need.  

 WinCo Foods supports state-accredited schools by donating to their fundraisers through its corporate donation portal. Requests must be submitted 4 to 6 weeks before the fundraising date to be considered.  

Through SONIC’s Accent on Kids program, local drive-ins support youth organizations by donating fundraiser items, offering free “ice for events,” discounts, and event partnerships for nonprofits serving kids 18 and under. Requests should be submitted at least 2–4 weeks in advance directly to your local SONIC.

Texas Roadhouse supports local fundraisers, schools, and nonprofits through event nights, gift card donations, and sponsorships. Submit a donation request at least 30 days in advance to your local restaurant, including your organization’s name, purpose, event date, and expected impact — availability varies by location.

Dave & Buster’s gives back through its stores by donating gift cards, game tokens, and more to local non-profits, schools, and community groups.  Contact your local Dave & Buster’s store with your request (include your organization, event date, and purpose). 

 Albertsons supports local nonprofits through grants focused on hunger relief, education, health, and community services. Apply online through their foundation — responses typically take about 6 weeks after the application period closes. 

Portillo’s donates food, gift cards, and auction items to support local nonprofits, schools, and community events. All requests must include a Tax ID or Employer Identification Number (EIN) from your organization’s W-9 or 501(c)(3) form and be submitted at least 4 weeks in advance through their online application. 

Dunkin’ franchisees can consider donation or sponsorship requests—but since every location is independently owned, your best bet is to contact your local Dunkin’ store directly.

Note: The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation provides grants focused on hunger relief and children’s causes, but does not accept direct product or event sponsorship requests—those must be handled at the store level.

 Kroger supports local nonprofits through food donations, gift cards, cash grants, and foundation funding. All requests must be submitted via CommunityGifts.com at least 4 weeks before your event, and only 501(c)(3) organizations are eligible.  

Barnes & Noble supports Pre-K–12 schools, literacy, arts, and community service nonprofits through in-store programs like Bookfairs and local donation/sponsorship partnerships. Barnes & Noble+2Barnes & Noble+2

Requests are handled at the store level, so contact your local store manager with your proposal.  

Burger King restaurants consider local nonprofit requests. Use their sponsorship request form and always contact your local franchise owner or manager with plenty of notice and details.   

Casey’s supports nonprofits in the areas of Education, Hunger, and Community Servants, but requests must be submitted through their online Donation Request Form (no mail, email, or phone). 

Submit at least 14 days in advance, and be sure to include your organization’s Tax ID / EIN.  

Below are local businesses in the Valparaiso, Indiana area  that offer donation, in-kind gift, and sponsorship request forms to help support community groups like yours.

Please note: We’re sharing these to make things easier, but each business runs its own program and makes its own decisions — so while nothing is guaranteed, it’s always worth reaching out to submit your request!

Teriyaki Madness in Valparaiso offers silent auction items, food donations, and fundraising opportunities to local organizations.

 Chick-fil-A supports local groups and events through food donations and sponsorships. Contact your local Chick-fil-A to make a request. To find a local Chickfila restaurant, visit  https://www.chick-fil-a.com/locations?locationsearch=46383&menuItem=.

Centier Bank supports local nonprofits and community groups in NWI through sponsorships and charitable donations.

 Peoples Bank supports local nonprofits and organizations in NWI through sponsorship and donations. Must request 8 weeks prior to event. 

Northwest Health Porter offers sponsorships and charitable donations to local groups in NWI.  

 Valpo Velvet accepts donation requests from local organizations in the Valparaiso area. 

Valpo Parks Foundation accepts donation requests from local nonprofits.  Must apply at least 10 days before event to be considered.

Journeyman Distillery supports local programs in NWI positively impacting youth and cultural/arts organizations. Donation requests must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the event. 

FIll out a donation request online or visit your local Meijer's location to pick up an application.  Allow 60 days for a review.

FIll out the donation request form and submit to local Strack & VanTil location. Submit request at least 4 weeks before event.

Submit requests at least 30 days before your event. Insider tip: Make sure you ask if you can also get samples to hand out at your event! Albanese is a national company, so even if you're not local, it's worth asking!

 All requests for funding and in-kind gifts, such as gift certificates, must be submitted in writing on your organization's letterhead to your neighborhood Buffalo Wild Wings sports bar at least 2-3 weeks before event. If the request is regarding a specific event, please remember to include the event information as well as a contact name and phone number.  

To request a local donation from Family Express, complete their donation request form. Ensure you submit your request at least three weeks before your event date. 

 To request a local donation or sponsorship from Inman’s, submit your request through their Contact Page. 

 Extra Mile accepts local donation requests for gift cards, merchandise, and sponsorships. Submit your request online several weeks before your event using their Donation Request Form. 

 Luke supports local nonprofits and community events through donations and sponsorships. To request a donation, fill out their Donation Request Form online at least 4 weeks before your event.  

Emagine accepts donation requests from  Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin.  Allow a minimum of 30 days for Emagine to respond to your donation request.