Weekly Funding Opportunity: Brinker International

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Each week, Neighborhood Networks provides potential funding sources to help centers develop and improve programs and services. Featured this week is Brinker International.

Brinker International is one of the world's leading casual dining restaurant companies, serving more than 1 million guests each day. Founded in 1975 and based in Dallas, Brinker owns or franchises more than 1,850 restaurants in 25 countries and employs more than 120,000 people. Brinker restaurant brands include Chili's Grill & Bar, Romano's Macaroni Grill, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, and Maggiano's Little Italy.

Program Areas: Brinker International contributes millions of dollars and thousands of hours of volunteer time to worthwhile charitable organizations each year. The company's main areas of giving are health, arts and culture, and social services.

Targeted Area: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and West.

Eligibility: Brinker International supports organizations nationwide in communities where its employees live and work. Organizations must have Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Brinker International does not support:

	Religious organizations or programs.
	Individuals seeking aid.
	Agencies that receive United Way funding.
	Organizations lacking proof of 501(c)(3) status.
	Political organizations or candidates.
	Conferences, seminars, or reunions.
	Research projects.
	Travel for individuals or groups.
	Capital campaigns.

Award Amount: Award amounts vary.

Application Process: Organizations requesting donations must submit the following information:

	The exact amount requested and the specific purpose for the donation briefly summarized in one or two pages. The request should detail how the donations will be used.
	Information about the organization, including proof of 501(c)(3) status and sources of funding.
	Information, if any, concerning past or current involvement of Brinker International employees with the organization.

Requests must be submitted on the organization's official letterhead to:

Brinker International Charitable Committee
6820 LBJ Freeway
Dallas, TX 75240

Requests may also be faxed to (972) 770-5977. Brinker International Charitable Committee does not accept requests or inquiries by telephone.

Deadlines: All requests for donations are reviewed on an ongoing basis. It may take four to six weeks to review a request. Due to the volume of requests and proposals received, Brinker International is unable to follow up with each individual personally. If a request is approved, the applicant will be notified by mail.

Contact: For more information on Brinker International's charitable giving, contact:

Brinker International Charitable Committee
6820 LBJ Freeway
Dallas, TX 75240
FAX: (972) 770-5977