CVS awards $5.5 million in annual grants

WOONSOCKET, R.I. CVS Caremark’s private foundation, The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust, has awarded about $5.5 million in grant funds to nonprofit organizations nationwide through its annual grants program, the pharmacy retailer announced on Tuesday.

A total of 39 grants went to nonprofit organizations across 14 states and Washington, D.C. in late December. These donations align with the company’s All Kids Can and this signature program’s goal of making life easier for children with disabilities and their families. Launched in 2006, CVS Caremark All Kids Can committed $25 million, as well as employee volunteer hours, over five years.

“Given the right resources and support, every child, regardless of ability, can achieve his or her full potential,” stated Eileen Howard Dunn, vice president of CVS Caremark Charitable Trust. “That’s why CVS Caremark Trust is committed to supporting nonprofit organizations that provide innovative programs and services focused on helping children with disabilities and their families.”

Since 2001, the Trust has awarded grants totaling more than $21.5 million to more than 325 organizations. During that time, the Trust has also provided more than $4.5 million in grants to support pharmacy schools and pharmacy scholarships around the country. In addition, it provides ongoing support to the CVS Caremark Scholarship Program for children of CVS Caremark associates and to the CVS Caremark Volunteer Challenge Grant Program, which donates funds to community organizations for which CVS Caremark associates volunteer.

The CVS Caremark Charitable Trust will be accepting applications for 2008 grants between May 1 and June 15. For more information visit http://www.cvs.com/corpInfo/community/charitable_mission.html.