Target Has Built A Strong Foundation

Target is a company recognized for many things, not least of which is delivering outstanding design and value to those who appreciate it the most. With continuous innovation, an exceptional guest experience, and the famous red and white bullseye, Target has become a dependable brand. But, what’s often overlooked is their quiet commitment to setting a foundation for education within the communities they operate. 

Target sponsors a variety of programs and award grants for education, the arts, public safety and more. They provide disaster relief funding, they fill libraries with books, and they support challenged families. They are committed to promoting a more sustainable world—and they go about this side of their business with an understated humility while consistently living out their values in unique and measurable ways.

Underpinning a brighter future
Target believes bright futures begin in the classroom, and they’re dedicated to ensuring that children and schools have the foundation they need to succeed. In fact, education is their top social concern, and they’ve committed to donating $1 billion to educational purposes by the end of the 2015 fiscal year. They know that America’s future depends on an educated workforce and the state of global economy, and that by helping children do well in school they’re playing a part in creating a better future. Target is doing this in a variety of ways—in the traditional sense through grants and scholarships, and in untraditional ways by matching donations and quietly giving to unique funding programs that invite community involvement.

Creating a healthier nation
Target promotes healthy students with their Meals for Minds program. Without proper nutrition, it is well documented that children don’t concentrate or perform well in school. This program is designed to tackle the issue by bringing food to K–12 students and the families who need it most. The program is active in 66 schools in 44 cities across the country. And most recently, Target joined forces with Feeding America and local food banks to give students even more access to fresh foods.

Recognizing a bigger purpose
Target believes every child should have the opportunity to reach his or her full potential, and supports this by assisting schools with book donations, field trips, free museum days and food pantries for families, among many other educational programs and partnerships that set students, teachers and schools up for success. In 2014 they reached their goal of $25 million donated school supplies to more than 1.8 million children in need.

Making customers part of the mission
You’re probably familiar with Target’s REDcard, offered at almost every checkout experience. But what you may not know is that since 1997 that card has helped Target donate $418 million to local K–12 schools through their Take Charge of Education (TCOE) initiative. Target involves their customers in the mission by offering their credit card holders the opportunity to designate 1% of their REDcard purchases to a K–12 school of their choosing. In 2014, more than 84,000 schools received a TCOE check, totaling more than $31 million in donations.

Quietly Making a Difference
Target has become a model of success for programs that support their company values. They know that their customers care about where their products are made and manufactured, and through their Made to Matter campaign they promote natural, organic and sustainable brands. They’ve formed partnerships with sixteen health and eco-conscience brands including Annie’s Homegrown, Burt’s Bees, Clif Bar & Company, Ella’s Kitchen, EVOL Foods, Horizon Organic, Hyland’s, Kashi, Method, Plum Organics, Seventh Generation, SheaMoisture, Target’s Simply Balanced, Vita Coco, Yes To and Zarbee’s Naturals, and recently announced their plans to expand the partnership with fifteen additional brands.

Target has set a corporate responsibility standard. And as their efforts grow they continue to influence companies to take a more thoughtful approach to business. They focus on what matters most to their customers and work within their communities to make a positive impact the people they serve and the future of our nation.