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Matching Grants now match $2 for every $1 collected by associates for another associate in need.
The maximum amount awarded for a Matching Grant is $5,000. Click here to view more changes for 2009.
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What is an appropriate situation to raise money to be matched?
Appropriate situations to raise money to be matched would be those situations that are unavoidable and difficult for the associate (such as illness or death of a loved one). Monies to help pay for social events such as track meets, baby showers, Christmas gifts or similar events are not considered appropriate matching situations. In addition, avoidable situations such as those caused by poor financial decisions by the associate may not be appropriate for matching purposes.
What is an appropriate way to raise money to help an associate?
Within a Home Depot store, the Human Resources Generalist, District Human Resources Manager, Store Manager or above should always be involved when associates are raising money for another associate. Collections done within a Home Depot corporate office require the involvement of a Department Manager, Human Resources Manager, Director or above. Associates should be respectful of the privacy of their co-workers. To request that other associates consider making a contribution, the manager may post a sign in the break room or send out communication stating that a collection is being taken up for an associate facing a difficult situation. Information should be given about who is collecting donations and the deadline for making a contribution. Associates should never solicit one another on the sales floor or on the clock, nor should they solicit customers or vendors. Please keep in mind that monies raised through events such as bake sales, potlucks, luncheons, etc., must be held inside the store and available to associates only. The intended associate in need may not donate to their own collection.
Please note that fraudulent applications are a violation of The Home Depot Standards of Operation (SOP). An associate may be terminated for attempting fraud, whether intentional or unintentional.
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How do you verify the amount donated to an associate?
The management team taking up the collection on behalf of an associate completes and submits the Associate Matching Grant online application to verify the amount raised. The Associate Matching Grant application should only be completed by two sponsors which may include the Human Resources Generalist, District Human Resources Manager, Store Manager or above. By submitting the application, the managers are confirming that it is an appropriate situation for an Associate Matching Grant and that the amount indicated was actually collected and given to the associate.
What do I do with the money that is donated to help an associate?
Donated money should be given directly to the associate. Do not send donated money to The Homer Fund. Any checks should be made payable to the associate, not to The Homer Fund. Submit the Associate Matching Grant online application.
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When can I expect to receive the matching check?
Associate Matching Grants are usually processed within 24-48 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) from verification of the application. The check is sent overnight to the attention of the store manager (department manager for non-store associates), unless otherwise specified.
What constitutes fraud against The Homer Fund?
The following are examples of Homer Fund fraud:
- Use of money from the associate in need
- Use of money loaned to an associate in need with the intent of returning said monies once the Matching Grant check is received
- Amount falsification by management
- Intentional misrepresentation of hardship
- Intentional inclusion of monies donated by customers or vendors
- Intentional misuse of Matching Grant password
- Intentional attempt to deceive Homer Fund staff
Are any amounts taxed?
No. The matched amount granted by The Homer Fund will not be taxed.
Can a store do more than one matching grant for the same associate?
Yes. An Associate Matching Grant can be up to $5,000 per situation. The Homer Fund will continuously match funds raised for an associate within a 12-month period until the $5,000 maximum has been reached. A new Associate Matching Grant online application must be completed for each matching request. Please limit matching grants to one per week per associate.
What information do I need to process a Matching Grant?
- The human resources and store manager (department manager for non-store associates) is responsible for facilitating the Associate Matching Grant process on behalf of the associate. Please see your Human Resources Manager or Store Manager if you think you or a co-worker may be eligible for a matching grant.
- Once donations are collected for an associate, the Human Resources Manager and Store Manager complete the Associate Matching Grant online application and submits it to The Homer Fund. The donations are given directly to the associate.
- Once the completed application is received, The Homer Fund will send an e-mail to the two sponsors listed on the application to verify accuracy. Once verification is received, within 24 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) The Homer Fund will overnight its matching check to the associate's work location. Matching checks are made payable to the associate. The overnight package containing the matching check is addressed to the manager.
- According to The Home Depot’s Code of Conduct, falsification of information or fraudulent filing of a Homer Fund application is considered a terminable offense.
What is the password for the Associate Matching Grant online application?
The Associate Matching Grant online application now requires a password and successful completion of the Eligibility Quick-test. The password is for use by Human Resources Managers, Store Managers or higher. The password may be obtained by sending an e-mail to The Homer Fund.
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