Giving Guidelines

Store-Based Giving Guidelines

Through the Store-Based Giving Program, Ross helps young people in our communities dress for a bright future. We proudly support nonprofit organizations that help socioeconomically disadvantaged youth with academic achievement and/or building important life skills, like financial literacy and career readiness.

Our support through this program comes in the form of gift cards to our Ross Dress for Less or dd’s DISCOUNTS Stores. The gift cards must be used to purchase school or professional clothing/accessories for socioeconomically disadvantaged youth. Other uses of the gift cards are not supported or allowed. Please note that award amounts will depend on available budget and alignment with our mission; however, the gift cards are usually valued between $300-$500.

Eligibility Requirements

Prior to submitting an application, please ensure your organization meets ALL of the following criteria.

  • Organization must be a federal tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, school, or government program.
  • Organization must offer academic achievement and/or life skills programs on an ongoing basis (i.e., not a one-off event) for socioeconomically disadvantaged youth (ages 3-24).
    • Refer to the lists of eligible and ineligible programs included on this page.
    • Requests for one-time giveaway or fundraising events will not be considered.
    • Organization must serve at least 60% of youth from low-income families.
  • Organization must serve a community within 25 miles of a Ross Dress for Less or dd’s DISCOUNTS Store.
  • Organization must have not received a donation from Ross (Ross Stores Foundation, Ross Stores, Inc., or dd’s DISCOUNTS) within the past 12 months.
  • Organization must not discriminate against any category protected by federal, state, or local laws in who is served and hired.

Applications from organizations that do not meet all of the listed requirements will be automatically declined. Due to the volume of requests we receive, we are unable to honor all requests and provide guidance on why your organization was not selected for a donation. We do not accept applications by phone, mail, email, or fax.

How to Apply

Applications are accepted during established application cycles. During an application cycle, all eligible and interested organizations must take our eligibility quiz and, if eligible, submit an application through our online portal by the deadline for the submission period. To get started, take the eligibility quiz.

Upcoming Application Cycles:

  • November 18 – December 20, 2024

Eligible Programs

Academic Achievement

Programs that build a foundation of academic competence that will help young people succeed in a competitive workforce. These include:

   Life Skills

Programs that build confidence and character in young people. These include:
  • Literacy
  • STEM
  • Writing Skills
  • Tutoring
  • School clothes/supplies
  • Pre-school/Head Start
  • GED programs
  • Stay-in-school efforts
  • College readiness
  • Mentoring
  • Financial literacy
  • After-school programs
  • Soft skills
  • Career readiness/job skills

Ineligible Programs

While we understand that there is a great need across our communities, in order to deliver the greatest impact on our philanthropic mission, Ross Stores will not support programs outside of our focus areas. Ineligible programs include, but are not limited to:

  • Event sponsorship (including sober graduation parties, prom/school dances, galas, walkathons, raffles, auctions, golf outings, benefits, conferences, etc.)
  • Sports programs (including booster clubs)
  • Medical and health programs
  • Social services
  • Animal welfare programs
  • Fine arts programs
  • Camps/retreats
  • Religious-focused programs that aren’t open to the general community