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Store-Based Giving Guidelines | Giving Guidelines | Ross Stores, Inc.

Store-Based Giving Guidelines | Giving Guidelines | Ross Stores, Inc.

Phone number
N/A - applications accepted online only during application cycles
Category
Nonprofit
Auto tags
Eligibility
501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, or government programs serving at least 60% youth from low-income families, within 25 miles of a Ross or dd's DISCOUNTS store, with ongoing academic or life skills programs for ages 3-24
Auto Summary
Ross Stores' Store-Based Giving Program gives $300–$500 gift cards (to Ross Dress for Less or dd's DISCOUNTS) to nonprofits, schools, and government programs so they can buy school or work clothing for the low-income youth they serve. This is for ORGANIZATIONS to apply for, not individuals. To qualify you must be a 501(c)(3), school, or government program running ongoing academic or life-skills programs for youth ages 3–24, with at least 60% of youth from low-income families, located within 25 miles of a Ross or dd's store, and not have received a Ross donation in the past 12 months. Online applications only, during set 2026 cycles: Jan 19–Mar 20, Apr 27–Jun 26, and Jul 20–Sep 18. Start with the eligibility quiz. Verified 2026-05-30.
Value
$300-$500 gift cards to Ross Dress for Less or dd's DISCOUNTS for school/professional clothing for disadvantaged youth
Espanol
No Spanish resources currently listed on giving guidelines page
URL
https://corp.rossstores.com/responsibility/giving-guidelines/store-based-giving-guidelines/
Last verified 2026-05-17
Ross Stores gives $300–$500 gift cards to nonprofits, schools, and government programs that serve low-income kids and young adults (ages 3–24). The gift cards must be spent at Ross Dress for Less or dd's DISCOUNTS on school clothes, work clothes, or accessories for the youth your program serves. This is for organizations to apply for — not for individuals or families directly. [Source: corp.rossstores.com/responsibility/giving-guidelines/store-based-giving-guidelines/ (accessed 2026-05-17)]

Who qualifies

Your organization must meet all of these:
  • A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, a school, or a government program.
  • Runs ongoing academic or life-skills programs for youth ages 3–24 (not a one-time event).
  • At least 60% of the youth you serve come from low-income families.
  • Has not received a Ross donation in the past 12 months.
  • Does not discriminate in who it serves or hires.
If any one of these is missing, the application is automatically declined.

What you get

  • Gift cards worth $300–$500, depending on Ross's budget and how well your program fits their mission.
  • Cards work at Ross Dress for Less or dd's DISCOUNTS only.
  • Must be used for school clothing, professional/work clothing, or related accessories for the youth in your program. No other use is allowed.

How to apply (2026 cycles)

Ross only takes applications during set windows. The 2026 cycles are:
  • January 19 – March 20, 2026
  • April 27 – June 26, 2026
  • July 20 – September 18, 2026
Steps:
  1. Take the eligibility quiz — this confirms you meet the 6 requirements above.
  1. If you pass, submit the full application through Ross's online portal before the cycle deadline.
  1. Wait for a decision. Ross does not give feedback on declined applications.
Applications by phone, mail, email, or fax are not accepted.

Programs Ross will fund

Academic achievement: literacy, STEM, writing, tutoring, school supplies, preschool / Head Start, GED programs, stay-in-school work, college readiness.
Life skills: mentoring, financial literacy, after-school programs, soft skills, career readiness / job skills.

Programs Ross will not fund

  • One-time events: galas, walkathons, golf outings, prom, sober grad, raffles, auctions, conferences, etc.
  • Sports programs (including booster clubs)
  • Medical or health programs
  • Social services
  • Animal welfare
  • Fine arts
  • Camps and retreats
  • Religious programs that aren't open to the wider community

Common pitfalls

  • Forgetting the 25-mile rule. Run the store-locator check before doing any paperwork.
  • Applying outside an open cycle. The portal only accepts submissions during the three 2026 windows above.
  • Applying within 12 months of a previous Ross award. Track your last award date.
  • One-time events. Even strong programs get declined if the request is for a single event instead of an ongoing service.
  • Less than 60% low-income. Have your service demographics ready — Ross will ask.

Where to get help

There is no phone line — Ross only accepts applications through its online portal during open cycles. [Source: corp.rossstores.com/responsibility/giving-guidelines/store-based-giving-guidelines/ (accessed 2026-05-17)]