The Panera Bread Foundation’s application period for its grant program is open through Nov. 14 and will fund non-profit organizations providing access to education, opportunity and mentorship to at-risk, underserved or historically underrepresented children and youth, according to a company press release.
Qualified organizations are 501(c)(3) non-profits, serving ages 10-18, that are planning to start programs or expand an existing program focused on college readiness, skills building, workforce or leadership development or mentoring. Interested organizations may apply on the Panera Bread Foundation’s application website.
“Through our grant program, the Panera Bread Foundation helps fund non-profit organizations who have programs committed to support underserved children and youth by creating the opportunity to allow them to build and dream of their futures,” Debbie Roberts, the foundation’s board president and EVP and COO at Panera Bread, said in the release. “In our inaugural year, we were able to award 17 grants, and we’re excited for this number to grow, thanks in part to the generosity of our guests who round up their Panera orders to support the Give Change for Children program.”
This year’s Panera Bread Foundation grant partners are predominately serving high school and middle school students. The programs for high school students help youth stay in and do well in school, graduate high school, attend a post-secondary school or find a long-term career path. The middle school programs are focused on strengthening learning skills, enhancing hard and soft skills and helping children build healthy relationships with trusted adults through mentorship programs. Other programs serve students by specializing in STEM or STEAM programs.
Applicants may apply for grants ranging between $25,000 and $150,000 to be awarded in early 2023.
