Every Kindness is a Gift

Overview

Every Kindness is a Gift is a gift card grant program made possible through the generosity of Dollar Tree and managed by the team here at Gift Card Bank. We are a nonprofit organization that specializes in the distribution of gift cards and our mission is to improve well-being and build financial stability by supporting people through their time of need.

Through Every Kindness is a Gift, nonprofit organizations and Title I schools located in the 48 contiguous states may apply to receive a grant of Dollar Tree gift cards.

Gift cards received through these grants are meant to be distributed directly to individuals and families in need. A primary goal of the program is to give gift card recipients the dignity of choice by empowering them to shop for what they need themselves. By putting gift cards directly in the hands of our neighbors in need, we are able to increase access to essentials like food, school supplies, paper products, cleaning products, and hygiene items.

In 2026, there will be two rounds of grant distributions. In each round, we will award a number of grants between $2,500 and $10,000.

Round One is a summer distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round One will arrive in late June, while kids are on break and back-to-school is around the corner. Round Two is a holiday distribution. Gift cards awarded in Round Two will arrive in early November, as the end-of-year holidays approach.

We know that these are times of year when budgets are tight. Through these gift card grants, we hope to connect individuals and families directly to the essential resources they need during difficult months.

Program Timeline

Round One

• June 12, 2026: Applications due for Round One
• June 25, 2026: Grantees notified
• June 29 - July 3, 2026: Gift cards arrive

Round Two

• October 16, 2026: Applications due for Round Two
• October 29, 2026: Grantees notified
• November 2 - 6, 2026: Gift cards arrive

All Grantees

• January 31, 2027: All gift cards must be distributed
• February 28, 2027: Final reports due

Selection Process

Applicants will be assessed for eligibility and mission alignment, as well as the specificity of their distribution plans. In order to be considered, you must clearly articulate how and when you will give the gift cards directly to individuals. Your responses might include:

• The dates you will distribute the gift cards
• How many people you will distribute to
• The programs or events during which you plan to distribute gift cards
• The specific needs you are addressing in your community
• Anything else that will help us form a clear picture of how your gift cards would be used

Below are examples of the kinds of responses we are looking for. The examples are not meant to be inclusive of all uses for the gift cards. Your distribution plans may be different, but we are looking for a similar level of specificity:

• Example One: “We provide holiday baskets to 100 families each November filled with food and gifts for the families we serve. We will include one $25 gift card in each basket so recipients can purchase any additional holiday items they need this season.”
• Example Two: “We are running a job-skills training course for youth this October. We plan to enroll 25 teens between the ages of 14 and 16, and teach them how to prepare for interviews and show initiative. We will give each of them a $50 gift card for completing the course.”
• Example Three: “Members of our community are rebuilding from the flooding that occurred in our city last month. We have been assisting 50 families and will give each of them a $50 gift card for essentials to replace what they have lost.”

After verifying eligibility, grantees will be chosen by random lottery from a pool of other eligible applicants.
 

Questions?

Please first take a look at our FAQ below. If your question is not answered there, please email us at team@giftcardbank.org and we’ll respond within 24-48 hours. We are here to help!