I. Our Mission Statement
II. How We're Funded
III. Programs and Services
Our Mission Statement
The Vons Foundation supports charitable programs that improve the quality of life in the communities where we work and live, advocating the philanthropic aims and ideals of Vons employees.
How We're Funded
Employees Making a Difference
Funding for The Vons Foundation is primarily generated through employee payroll deduction. We believe that there is strength in numbers and employees are encouraged to give back to the communities they serve. We rely on the generosity of our employees and believe that every employee can make a difference!
Customers Making a Difference
Vons and Pavilions customers are among the most loyal and most generous in the grocery industry. Often, they work side by side with Vons employees to support a charity or cause. Since the start of the Vons Foundation Checkstand Program, our customers have contributed more than $12 million to worthwhile causes.
Vendors Making a Difference
Vons vendor family contributes to The Vons Foundation through their participation in The Vons Foundation Golf Classic. Each fall, more than 150 golfers, including Vons Company officers, administrators, and other associates, as well as many of Vons vendors and suppliers spend the day raising funds. The Vons Foundation is grateful to the vendor community, without whom we would not be able to support those who need it most.
Programs and Services
Grant Request Program
The Vons Foundation solicits formal grant requests from 501(c)3 organizations that operate or serve in areas where we do business. All grant requests are reviewed by the Vons Foundation Board of Directors to ensure that they meet our criteria for eligibility. For more information on our Grant Program, see our Grant guidelines.
The Vons Foundation Checkstand Donation Program
The charities selected for the Vons Foundation Checkstand Donation Program are those that have regional offices throughout our service area and represent charities Vons has supported for many years. By allowing customers at all Vons and Pavilions throughout Southern California and Nevada to make contributions, the Checkstand Program not only helps to support worthwhile causes, but also increases awareness about issues in our communities.
District Recommendation Program
We believe that the Vons Foundation is at it's best when working on a grassroots level. Store employees work together to make a difference in their own communities. Through the District Recommendation Program, each district receives a yearly allotment allowing employees to recommend and contribute to local organizations in the areas where they live and work.
Special Assistance Fund
The Special Assistance Fund assists employees and their families suffering from personal hardships or critical financial need with a one-time grant. If you are a Vons or Pavilions employee, please contact your Store Manager for more information.
Vons Foundation Disaster Relief Funds
Vons employees have proven, over and over again, that when a disaster strikes, they're willing to help. Whether it's an earthquake, fire, or flood, Vons employees have always been there to provide assistance to those in need. During the devastating Southern California fires in 2003, The Vons Foundation combined efforts with The American Red Cross to provide over $28,000 in food, water, and other relief for firefighters as well as families affected by the disaster.
Matching Grant Programs
Recently, the Vons Foundation joined with First Data Western Union Foundation in a program designed to encourage charitable giving. The program, launched in 2003 by First Data Western Union Foundation, will match dollar-for-dollar any grant made to a jointly chosen non-profit organization.