The Walser Foundation
Every car you buy or service at Walser
fuels something bigger.
A portion of every sale supports the Walser Foundation, funding education, career training, and workforce development initiatives. These programs help shape the next generation of innovators and change-makers in the communities we serve.
The Walser Foundation invests in brighter futures through grants and select sponsorships that empower generations with the stability and mobility to shape their own futures and the community around them.
Our Mission in Local Communities
The Walser Foundation’s mission is to increase access to high-quality education and career-training programs in the communities we serve across Minnesota, Kansas, Illinois, New Mexico, and Georgia.
We commit 5% of all pre-tax earnings to the Walser Foundation, funding hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants and sponsorships annually to uplift our local communities.
Our Mission in Local Communities
The Walser Foundation’s mission is to increase access to high-quality education and career-training programs in the communities we serve across Minnesota, Kansas, Illinois, New Mexico, and Georgia.
We commit 5% of all pre-tax earnings to the Walser Foundation, funding hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants and sponsorships annually to uplift our local communities.
Annual Reports
Want to learn more about the Walser Foundation and everything we do? Check out our annual reports to get all the details.
2023 Annual Report 2024 Annual Report 2025 Annual ReportApply for a Grant in Your Community
Interested in partnering with the Walser Foundation? We operate two annual grant cycles. Assess your eligibility through the FAQs, create your account on our grant platform, and submit a Letter of Intent. Letters of Intent must be approved before you can begin the application. We will follow up with you shortly.
Spring Cycle
LOI Deadline: April 15
Application Deadline: May 15
Decision Notifications: June 30
Fall Cycle
LOI Deadline: September 15
Application Deadline: October 15
Decision Notifications: December 30
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility criteria for the Community Partners Grant?
The Walser Foundation accepts grant applications from designated 501(c)3 organizations based in Minnesota and Kansas that focus on post-secondary education and workforce development. If eligible, submit a Letter of Intent here. Please note that the Walser Foundation is not accepting applications from new applicants in 2026. New applicants are encouraged to check back in 2027.
What are the Walser Foundation’s funding priorities for 2026?
The Walser Foundation is focused on existing grant partners in 2026. We are unable to accept new applicant inquiries until 2027. As we shift our giving focus to post-secondary education and workforce development, 2026 is a transition year dedicated to exiting and returning partners. Grant guidelines for 2027 will be shared in fall 2026. Our giving will be directly aligned with the following areas:
- • Career and technical education
- • Career-connected learning opportunities
- • College and career readiness
- • Internships
- • Job placement programs
- • Scholarships
- • Secondary and post-secondary education
- • Technical apprenticeships
Does the Walser Foundation sponsor athletic teams or athletic events?
The Walser Foundation does not sponsor athletic teams or events. Individual Walser dealerships or affiliates may decide to do so and use their own funds to support these sponsorships.
Does the Walser Foundation sponsor individuals?
The Walser Foundation cannot sponsor individuals or fundraisers that are organized in support of an individual. The Walser Foundation only funds nonprofit organizations that have IRS 501(c)(3) status.
Does the Walser Foundation donate vehicles?
The Walser Foundation cannot provide vehicle donations to individuals, nonprofit organizations, or local businesses.
How do I volunteer for Walser Foundation events?
Volunteer opportunities through the Walser Foundation are available exclusively to Walser employees. Current employees can find upcoming events and sign-up details on WalserNet. At this time, we do not offer volunteer opportunities for non-employees.
Do you fund sponsorship requests?
The Walser Foundation primarily focuses on direct impact grantmaking. However, we do consider select sponsorship opportunities on a case-by-case basis. For more information or to inquire about a potential sponsorship, please contact [email protected].
I am a returning Walser Foundation grant recipient. Do I need to resubmit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI)?
Yes. With the launch of our new grant management system, all applicants including returning recipients must submit a new Letter of Inquiry (LOI) to begin the process.
What are your grant cycle deadlines?
To be considered for our spring grant cycle (application deadline: May 15), LOIs must be submitted by April 15. For our fall grant cycle (application deadline: October 15), LOIs are due by September 15. We recommend submitting early to allow ample time for review and feedback.
How do I set up my account in your grant management system?
Please see Submittable’s applicant guidance here. If you are still experiencing issues, please contact [email protected].
I didn’t receive the verification code email when creating an account in your grant management system—what should I do?
First, check your junk or spam folder for an email from [email protected]. If you still don’t see the email, contact your IT team to ensure that [email protected] is whitelisted. This will help ensure the verification email can be delivered to your inbox. Still having issues? Please contact [email protected].
Who can I contact with further questions?
To learn more about the Walser Foundation’s grantmaking and select sponsorship programs, please contact Sr. Foundation Specialist Inika Raikar at [email protected].