NEW ORLEANS, March 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Wal-Mart Foundation today awarded a $500,000 grant to Clinton Global Initiative University (CGI U) commitment-makers at its inaugural meeting at Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Wal-Mart Foundation grant will fund college students' and universities' commitments to make a difference within CGI U's four main focus areas: energy and climate change, global health, human rights and peace, and poverty alleviation. These awards were announced today by President Clinton and Margaret McKenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation.
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Through a selection process by CGI U, the Wal-Mart Foundation grant will be awarded to students or universities whose commitments integrate principles of sustainability. A total of $350,000 will go to two universities, and the remaining $150,000 will be granted to thirty-five students and student groups. The awards will be made in August 2008 to students and universities who have made demonstrable progress on their commitments.
"We are thrilled that the Wal-Mart Foundation is generously supporting student and university commitments made through CGI U," said Robert S. Harrison, CEO of the Clinton Global Initiative. "This funding will enable these commitment-makers to take action on some of the grand challenges of the 21st century."
Students, university officials and global leaders will bring innovative ideas and make commitments during the three-day event to tackle global problems facing communities in the U.S. and abroad.
"As a company focused on environmental sustainability at every level, the Wal-Mart Foundation is proud to partner with CGI U to reach hundreds of students and university officials who, like Wal-Mart, are committed to making a change to improve the environment for generations to come," said Margaret McKenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation. "By partnering with organizations like CGI U, we are also able to connect with pioneering experts that will, in turn, help Wal-Mart in our goal to become a more sustainable company."
In 2005, Wal-Mart committed to three environmental goals that are simple and straightforward: to be supplied 100 percent by renewable energy; to create zero waste; and to sell products that sustain our resources and the environment. By minimizing waste and conserving energy, Wal-Mart is becoming a more environmentally-friendly company.
About the Clinton Global Initiative University
CGI U, a new project of Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), will challenge college students and universities to tackle global problems with practical, innovative solutions. At CGI U, young people and universities will do more than simply discuss the world's challenges -- they will take real, concrete steps towards solving them. To learn more, visit http://www.cgiu.org/.
About Philanthropy at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and its foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the company supports initiatives focused on enhancing opportunities in education, job skills training, sustainability, and health and human services. In 2007, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and the Wal-Mart Foundation gave $296 million to communities across the United States. To learn more, visit http://www.walmartstores.com/community.
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart discount stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and Sam's Club locations in the United States. The company operates in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. Wal-Mart serves more than 176 million customers weekly in 14 markets. The company's securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WMT. For more information: www.walmartfacts.com.
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