Who can apply

In the USA, only qualified organisations recognised by the Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “IRC”), are eligible to receive charitable contributions.  Certain publicly and privately funded US schools, colleges and universities also may be permissible recipients as qualified Section 501(c)(3) organisations, if they are accredited by a nationally recognised accrediting agency or state department of education.  Outside of the USA, only organisations determined to be the equivalent of a US organisation 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 recognised accrediting agency. All such organisations 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 organisations, lobbying groups or individuals, except where authorised under and made in strict compliance with applicable jurisdictional campaign finance laws and regulations

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

Organisations 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 organisation’s programmes 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 programmes align with our focus areas. No response is guaranteed. If we are interested in learning more about your organisation, Visa will be in contact.