Kroger Co Foundation

The Kroger Co Foundation is the corporate foundation of The Kroger Company, Americas largest supermarket chain. With $111 million in assets and approximately $7.7 million in direct foundation grants plus $300 million in total corporate charitable giving, Kroger is a major funder of hunger relief, sustainability, and community development. Unlike many corporate foundations, the Kroger Foundation actively accepts grant applications from 501(c)(3) nonprofits through its online portal. The foundation operates alongside a separate entity — The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation — which is a public charity that has directed over $70 million to organizations ending hunger and waste. To approach Kroger effectively, organizations should: (1) apply through the online portal at communitygifts.com, clearly specifying the type of support needed (cash, gift card, product, or sponsorship); (2) align work with Krogers core pillars — Zero Hunger/Zero Waste, Diversity and Inclusion, Health and Nutrition, and Stronger Communities; (3) demonstrate local community impact in areas where Kroger operates stores; and (4) submit requests at least four weeks before project start dates. The foundation is most receptive to organizations directly serving communities where Kroger has a retail presence.

The Kroger Co Foundation reported $7.7 million in grants in recent years, while the broader Kroger corporate giving ecosystem directs over $300 million annually to community partners. The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation (a separate public charity) has directed over $70 million to date, including the $6.6 million Innovation Fund that has funded 17 companies through two open calls. Individual Community Impact Grants range up to $125,000, while local community grants include smaller cash donations, gift cards, and in-kind product donations. The $1 million Retail Agency Capacity Grant to Feeding America represents the larger end of the giving spectrum. Grants are reviewed quarterly, with deadlines roughly every 3 months (e.g., April 4, June 27, September 19, December 5 in 2025). Geographic focus is nationwide but concentrated in communities where Kroger operates — primarily in 35 states across the Midwest, South, and West. Kroger operates approximately 2,700 stores under various banners (Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter, etc.).

The Kroger Co Foundation, with $111 million in assets, is one of the largest grocery/retail corporate foundations in the United States. Here is how it compares to other major retail and food industry foundations:

Kroger stands out for its Zero Hunger Zero Waste brand identity, which gives focus and recognizability to its philanthropy. Its total giving ($300M+) puts it among the largest corporate givers in the US. The foundation is relatively accessible compared to peers, accepting applications year-round through its online portal. However, individual foundation grants ($7.7M) are modest relative to total corporate giving, as much of Krogers community investment flows through direct corporate channels and the separate Zero Hunger Zero Waste Foundation.

The Kroger Co Foundation released its 2025 annual report detailing its charitable impact. The Zero Hunger Zero Waste Foundation has now directed over $70 million to organizations fighting hunger and waste. A notable recent grant was the $1 million Retail Agency Capacity Grant awarded to Feeding America to strengthen food bank capacity. The Zero Hunger Zero Waste Innovation Fund has completed two open calls for proposals, directing $6.6 million to 17 companies developing innovative solutions to hunger and waste. In 2025, the foundation partnered with U.S. Hunger and Kroger associates to pack 1 million nutritious meals for families in Cincinnati and Los Angeles. Kroger continues to operate its quarterly grant cycle, with the next deadline on April 4, 2026. The company maintains its Zero Hunger Zero Waste commitment as a core corporate strategy, with the foundation serving as the philanthropic engine driving community partnerships and innovation in food security.

1. Apply through the correct portal: Submit applications at communitygifts.com (redirects to thekrogerco.versaic.com). This is the primary channel for all foundation grant requests.

2. Meet quarterly deadlines: Grants are reviewed quarterly. The next deadline is April 4, 2026. Submit at least four weeks before your event or project start date and allow four weeks after the deadline for notification.

3. Clearly specify support type: Applications should indicate whether you need a cash donation, sponsorship, gift card, or product donation. Different types of support may have different review processes.

4. Align with the four pillars: Frame your proposal around one of Krogers core focus areas — Zero Hunger/Zero Waste, Diversity and Inclusion, Health and Nutrition, or Stronger Communities. Hunger relief and food security proposals receive the strongest consideration.

5. Demonstrate local Kroger community impact: The foundation prioritizes organizations serving communities where Kroger operates stores. If your organization operates in a Kroger market area, emphasize this geographic connection.

6. Ensure GuideStar verification: Your 501(c)(3) status must be verifiable through GuideStar Charity Check. Update your GuideStar profile before applying.

7. Consider the Innovation Fund: If your organization is developing innovative solutions to hunger or food waste, the Zero Hunger Zero Waste Innovation Fund offers larger grants (average $388K) through periodic open calls. Monitor thekrogercozerohungerzerowastefoundation.com for the next call.

8. Build Kroger associate connections: The foundation values employee engagement. If Kroger employees volunteer with your organization, this strengthens your application and may qualify you for additional support through the matching gifts and volunteer programs.