Areas of Focus
There are thousands of worthwhile charities, and Interstate receives hundreds of requests annually. After a thorough review of funding opportunities, possible recipients and worthwhile causes, Interstate determined we can make the most meaningful impact by concentrating on three areas:

Education

• Promoting the hospitality industry as a career choice for high school and college students
• Facilitating merit-based access to higher education for under-represented groups
• Assisting individuals already in the workforce complete their secondary education
• Advancing teaching through recruitment, professional development, support and retention of teachers

Community & Economic Development

• Helping train people for employment and/or creating jobs in low-income communities
• Revitalizing low- to moderate-income neighborhoods

Health & Human Services

• Supporting access to health education and quality care
• Supporting programs to develop or enhance quality of life and professional opportunities for low-income, disabled or minority individuals

Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for charitable contributions, organizations must:

• Have non-profit tax-exempt status under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code
• Be located in and provide service in Interstate's markets
• Have a broad-based constituency and address specific community needs
• Demonstrate fiscal and administrative stability and responsibility
• Align with one or more of Interstate's areas of focus (education, community & economic development, health & human services)

Restrictions
Interstate does not make contributions to support certain types of requests, including, but not limited to:

• Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
• Individuals
• Programs that do not specifically benefit markets where Interstate has a significant business and/or employee presence
• International organizations
• Political action committees, political causes, organizations or candidates
• Books, research papers or articles in professional journals
• Film or video projects, including documentaries
• Organizations with a limited constituency, such as fraternities and alumni, labor and veterans groups
• Religious organizations unless they are engaged in a significant project that is non-sectarian and benefits a broad base of the community
• Private foundations
• Private schools/pre-schools/daycare facilities
• Organizations requesting funds to cover operating deficits
• Sponsorships, events, or projects for which Interstate and/or its employees receive tangible benefits or privileges
• Goodwill advertising, souvenir journals or dinner programs
• Endowments or capital campaigns
• Sports sponsorships
• Animal rights organizations
• Beauty or talent contests

• Current Federal IRS tax-exemption certificate indicating 501(c)(3) and 509 (a)(1), (2) or (3) status
• Audited financial statement for the most recent fiscal year
• Tax form 990 for the most recent fiscal year
• Current year operating budget
• List of members of the board of directors or similar governing body, including their business affiliations
• Latest annual report, or if not available, background information on the organization, its mission, track record and accomplishments
• Current funding sources, including a list of contributors for organization and project