Who can apply

In the U.S., only qualified organizations recognized by the Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “IRC”), are eligible to receive charitable contributions.  Certain publicly and privately funded U.S. schools, colleges and universities also may be permissible recipients as qualified Section 501(c)(3) organizations, if they are accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or state department of education.  Outside of the U.S., only organizations determined to be the equivalent of a U.S. organization qualifying under IRC Section 501(c)(3) are eligible to receive charitable contributions under the Policy. Certain publicly and privately funded schools, colleges and universities also may be permissible recipients, if they are accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency. All such organizations must meet relevant legal and regulatory requirements, including but not limited to those pertaining to charitable equivalency, national security, and anti-corruption.

Restrictions

Visa does not make contributions to:

Political parties or candidates, political organizations, lobbying groups or individuals, except where authorized under and made in strict compliance with applicable jurisdictional campaign finance laws and regulations

Religious organizations, churches, seminaries, theological institutions and Bible colleges, unless the donation is designated for ongoing non-secular community service programs open to all persons, and which do not propagate belief in any specific faith as a requirement for receiving services

Organizations that do not comply with Visa's non-discrimination policies

How to apply

Visa currently does not accept unsolicited requests and/or proposals for charitable funding. Requests for support are received by invitation only. If you believe your organization’s programs align strongly with the thematic and geographic focus areas above and we should learn more about you, please send a brief introductory email to Visa Philanthropy ([email protected]) detailing how your programs align with our focus areas. No response is guaranteed. If we are interested in learning more about your organization, Visa will be in contact.