Grant Declination: Best Buy Foundation Community Grant (Cincinnati)

BDPA Cincinnati worked with BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) to submit a $10,000 grant proposal to the Best Buy Foundation Community Grant program.

The declination letter read as follows:

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Dear Wayne:

Thank you for your grant application to the Community Grants program of the Best Buy Foundation from BDPA Education and Technology Foundation for your Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) Program in Cincinnati, Ohio. We regret we are unable to provide a grant to your organization at this time. While your program is one of merit, the number of requests we receive outweighs our available resources. We appreciated the opportunity to learn more about your organization and thank you for taking the time to apply for a Best Buy grant.

For more information on how Best Buy strengthens communities, see http://www.bestbuy-communityrelations.com/.

Best wishes for the continued success of your program.

Sincerely,
Best Buy Foundation
Community Grants

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We will continue to work with BDPA Cincinnati chapter on other funding opportunities. The positive aspect of this declination is that we are now free and clear to submit a $100,000 national grant to Best Buy Foundation. Wish us luck!

Best Buy Foundation Accepting Applications for National Youth Technology Program

The Best Buy Foundation provides under-served teens with access to technology to build 21st century skills and bridge the digital divide.

To help accomplish this goal, the foundation is seeking applications from nonprofit organizations for programs that provide youth with access to new technologies and help them become interested and fluent in digital learning while developing skills that better prepare them for future education and career success. Grants of up to $200,000 will be awarded to programs that help teens build skills by utilizing cutting-edge technology such as computers, digital cameras, video cameras, and professional software in a wide range of areas, including audio production (e.g., music mixing and recording), coding/3D printing, computer maintenance and repair, digital photography/graphic design, film-making and videography, maker fairs and hack-a-thons, mobile and game app development, programming, robotics, and/ or website design.

To be eligible, applicants must be nonprofit organizations with existing out-of-school time programs with a proven track record of serving youth between the ages of 13 and 18 in under-served communities. In addition, programs must operate within twenty-five miles of a Best Buy store or other Best Buy center of operations; have a commitment to diversity and inclusion; be willing to integrate Geek Squad Academy curricula into existing programming (if appropriate); and have the ability to conduct programming in multiple targeted sites across the country. Preferred locations include areas where Best Buy Teen Tech Centers are located, including but not limited to Chicago, Denver, Jersey City/NYC, Miami, Minneapolis/St. Paul, San Antonio, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.

Visit the Best Buy website for complete program guidelines and application instructions.

Link to Complete RFP

Grant Proposal: Best Buy Community Grant (BDPA New York)

Our chapter liaison for BDPA New York is Shawn Reid. Shawn worked with the BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) to submit a grant proposal to Best Buy Store #478 (Long Island, NY) as part of its community grant program. We've asked for funding to support the Student Information Technology Education & Scholarship (SITES) program in New York City.

This is a funding source available to all nonprofits ... including all 45 local BDPA chapters. The first step is to identify and talk with the store manager at your local Best Buy.

Grant Award: Best Buy Children's Foundation ($7,500)

The Best Buy Children's Foundation recently awarded a $7,500 grant to our BDPA Washington DC chapter. The interaction that the chapter had with the Best Buy general manager in Bowie, Maryland was the key factor in getting this financial support. Members of the chapter's Education Committee along with the Best Buy Geek Squad got together to make the presentation of the grant check.

General Manager of Best Buy, Bowie, Maryland, Mr. Jeff Jackson (center), presents a check to HSCC Student Member Nnedimma Ugochukwu (left of GM) and HSCC Program Director, Mr. Louis Shack (right of GM)

BDPA Education and Technology Foundation (BETF) congratulates BDPA Washington DC chapter president Perry Carter and his leadership team for their continued fundraising success as demonstrated by this Best Buy grant award!

Best Buy Children's Foundation

The mission of the Best Buy Children's Foundation is to improve the lives of youth aged 5-18 in communities where Best Buy maintains a business presence. The Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations with innovative approaches to developing life skills in young people through education, mentoring, and leadership development. Funds can be used for: program development; direct project support; specific curriculum development; and scholarship aid for participants in life skills or mentoring programs.

The Foundation typically awards grants ranging from $2000 - $10,000 to nonprofits.

Is your chapter eligible and interested in exploring this funding source?

Best Buy Scholarship Program

Best Buy recently launched a new teen-led social change platform called @15™ with the mission to ensure opportunities for young teens across four dimensions of adolescence: education, life skills, leadership and relationships. Best Buy wants to help students prepare for a brighter future, which starts with a college education.

Students from the 9th - 12th grade can apply.

[Read More]

Grant Declination: Best Buy Store Donation (New York)

BDPA Foundation partnered with BDPA New York chapter on a request for product donations from Best Buy Store #599 (Brooklyn, NY). Each Best Buy store has a donation budget to support local nonprofit organizations.

Our request for funding has been declined.

Adam Brodsky, Store #599 manager wrote, "The merchandise that you are looking to obtain can not be approved at the store level. This request would have to go through our corporate partners."

Grant Declination: Best Buy Store Donation (Hartford)

Each Best Buy store has a donation budget to support local nonprofit organizations. Product Donations come directly from the local Best Buy store. BDPA Hartford chapter partnered with the BDPA Foundation to submit a letter of inquiry to Best Buy Store #381 (1501 New Britain Avenue; West Hartford CT) requesting products and services.

Our request has been turned down by the store manager. We will continue to seek out funding in support of BDPA Hartford chapter. Please let us know if you have any thoughts or ideas on this fundraising matter.

Letter of Inquiry: Best Buy Store (New York)

BDPA New York chapter partnered with the BDPA Foundation to submit a letter of inquiry to Best Buy Store #599 (8923 Bay Parkway; Brooklyn NY) requesting product donations.

Each Best Buy store has a donation budget to support local nonprofit organizations. Product Donations come directly from the local Best Buy store.

• Donations are given to schools, libraries and after-school clubs
• Donations are made in the form of product or Best Buy Gift Cards
• Local store employees decide how to support their community

We will keep you informed on the response to our letter of inquiry.

In the meantime, we are open to any other chapter interested in approaching their local Best Buy store for a product or gift card donation. If your chapter is interested then we need three things specific technology product(s) that you seek and the mailing address for Best Buy store that is local to your chapter.

Grant Award: Best Buy Children's Foundation

Best Buy Children's Foundation approved a $3,000 Tag Team Award for programs and services in our BDPA Dayton chapter.

Charles Crawford IV (HSCC Alumni, Class of 1999-2001) led this funding effort based on discussions he had with executives at Best Buy. He is truly a special brother and a marvelous example for all of our HSCC alumni around the country.

The funds will allow participation by Dayton-area students in the Student Information Technology & Scholarships (SITES) program. The program includes the Midwest Regional High School Computer Competition (HSCC), Youth Technology Camp and the national BDPA HSCC in Raleigh, NC on August 5-8, 2009.

Letter of Inquiry * Best Buy Store (Raleigh/Durham NC)

BDPA Triangle chapter partnered with the BDPA Foundation to submit a letter of inquiry to Best Buy Store #174 (2034 Skibo Road; Fayatteville NC) requesting products and services.

Each Best Buy store has a donation budget to support local nonprofit organizations. Product Donations come directly from the local Best Buy store.

• Donations are given to schools, libraries and after-school clubs
• Donations are made in the form of product or Best Buy Gift Cards
• Local store employees decide how to support their community

We will keep you informed on the response to our letter of inquiry.

In the meantime, we are open to any other chapter interested in approaching their local Best Buy store for a product or gift card donation. If your chapter is interested then we need three things specific technology product(s) that you seek and the mailing address for Best Buy store that is local to your chapter.

Letter of Inquiry * Best Buy Store (Hartford CT)

BDPA Hartford chapter partnered with the BDPA Foundation to submit a letter of inquiry to Best Buy Store #381 (1501 New Britain Avenue; West Hartford CT) requesting products and services.

Each Best Buy store has a donation budget to support local nonprofit organizations. Product Donations come directly from the local Best Buy store.

• Donations are given to schools, libraries and after-school clubs
• Donations are made in the form of product or Best Buy Gift Cards
• Local store employees decide how to support their community

We will keep you informed on the response to our letter of inquiry.

In the meantime, we are open to any other chapter interested in approaching their local Best Buy store for a product or gift card donation. If your chapter is interested then we need three things specific technology product(s) that you seek and the mailing address for Best Buy store that is local to your chapter.

Grant Declination: Best Buy (Stone Mountain GA)

BDPA Foundation partnered with BDPA Atlanta chapter on a request for product donations from Best Buy Store #506 (Stone Mountain, GA). Each Best Buy store has a donation budget to support local nonprofit organizations.

Our request for funding has been declined. Desmond Donlin, Store #506 assistant manager wrote, "Unfortunately, Best Buy is not making any donations at this time. This is not a reflection of your organization or our relationship with it. This does not mean we cannot make a donation to you in the near future. Please contact us back in a month or so and we will see what we might be able to do then."

Letter of Inquiry * Best Buy Store (Philadelphia PA)

BDPA Philadelphia chapter partnered with the BDPA Foundation to submit a letter of inquiry to Best Buy (9940 Roosevelt Blvd., Philadelphia PA) requesting products and services.

Each Best Buy store has a donation budget to support local nonprofit organizations. Product Donations come directly from the local Best Buy store.

• Donations are given to schools, libraries and after-school clubs
  
• Donations are made in the form of product or Best Buy Gift Cards
  
• Local store employees decide how to support their community

We will keep you informed on the response to our letter of inquiry.

In the meantime, we are open to any other chapter interested in approaching their local Best Buy store for a product or gift card donation. If your chapter is interested then we need three things specific technology product(s) that you seek and the mailing address for Best Buy store that is local to your chapter.

Best Buy Product Donations

Is your chapter or nonprofit organization interested in technology product donations?

Each U.S. Best Buy store has a donation budget to support local nonprofit organizations. Product Donations come directly from your local Best Buy store, so your programs are supported by the people who live and work in your community.

• Donations are given to schools, libraries and after-school clubs
  
• Donations are made in the form of product or Best Buy Gift Cards
  
• Local store employees decide how to support their community

If your chapter is interested then we need three things:

1. Specific technology product(s) that you seek
   
2. Current year SITES budget, which includes the technology product(s)
   
3. Address for Best Buy store that is local to you/your chapter

Are you interested in pursuing this grant opportunity?

Grant Award: Best Buy Children's Foundation ($2,000)

Best Buy Children's Foundation approved a $2,000 Tag Team Award for programs and services in our BDPA Dayton chapter. The funds are direct result of volunteer efforts by BDPA member Robert Blair.

The funds will allow participation by Dayton-area students in the Student Information Technology & Scholarships (SITES) program. The program includes the Midwest Regional High School Computer Competition (HSCC), Youth Technology Camp and the national BDPA HSCC in Atlanta, GA on August 8-9, 2008.

It is worth noting that Charles Crawford IV (HSCC Alumni, Class of 1999-2001) led this funding effort based on discussions he had with executives at Best Buy. I had pleasure of sitting next to Charles at the 20th annual BDPA Dayton chapter SITES Banquet earlier this month. He is truly a special brother and a marvelous example for all of our HSCC alumni around the country.