Quick Summary
Name: Darden Restaurants Inc Foundation Status: Active Grant Maker
Key Facts
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual Giving | $1,646,549 (2024) |
| Grant Range | $1,000 - $2,000,000 |
| Average Grant | ~$1,000 (Community Grants) to larger strategic grants |
| Application Method | Mixed (Restaurant Community Grants + Strategic/Invitation) |
Contact Details
Address: 1000 Darden Center Dr, Orlando, FL 32837 Phone: 407-245-5542 Website: www.dardenfoundation.com/cms/index.php EIN: 59-3332929
Geographic Focus
United States and Canada, with emphasis on:
- Communities where Darden restaurants are located (2,000+ locations across North America)
- Primary focus: Florida, Ohio, and New Hampshire
- Particularly Central Florida (Orlando area)
Funding Priorities
The foundation focuses on three main areas:
- Access to Postsecondary Education: Programs supporting underserved youth ages 14-18 in middle and high school, providing tools and information for pursuing higher education
- Preservation of Natural Resources: Conservation and restoration of water ecosystems, protection of local parks and trails, community gardens promoting food security
- Hunger: Food assistance programs for underserved populations, food banks, meal programs
- Additional areas: Arts and culture, animal welfare, human services
What They Don't Fund
Specific exclusions not publicly available. Organizations should contact the foundation directly for complete eligibility requirements and restrictions.
Application Method
Two Grant Programs:
-
Restaurant Community Grants Program: Each of 2,000+ Darden-brand restaurants can award $1,000 grants to local nonprofits. Restaurant managers select recipients based on local community needs.
-
Strategic/Major Grants: Larger grants ranging from thousands to millions. Application process not publicly detailed; likely invitation-only or by direct contact with foundation.
Total Impact: Since 1995, the foundation has awarded more than $110 million in grants.
References
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