DECA is proud to announce it has been selected as a recipient of a 2026 Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation. This $30,000 grant will help expand access for students across the Washington, D.C., metro area to career exploration workshops, executive mentoring, and job and college-readiness experiences.
"This grant gives DECA members access to real-world experiences and industry professionals, putting their classroom skills to work as they connect to college and careers," said Sarah Cozewith, Chief Partnership Officer. "We're grateful to the Taco Bell Foundation for helping us build that bridge."
The Taco Bell Foundation announced its biggest Community Grants year yet: a record $32 million supporting 700 nonprofit organizations nationwide, representing a 40% increase in nonprofit partners from last year. The Community Grants program uplifts youth in the communities that matter most to Taco Bell – those of its fans and team members. True to the brand’s spirit, the Taco Bell Foundation supports nonprofits that think differently and take bold approaches to creating new opportunities for young people.
“When you think about how this started, with fans giving a little extra at checkout, it’s incredible to see that generosity grow into $32 million for organizations serving young people across the country,” said Morgan Tabor, Executive Director of the Taco Bell Foundation. “What I love most about Community Grants is how local they are. Taco Bell franchisees know these organizations, they believe in their work, and together we’re helping more young people see just how much is possible for their futures.”
Through this grant, DECA will be able to extend hundreds of students’ classroom learning through exposure to myriad career and college exploration community experiences, designed to further prepare them with professional skills, education and industry knowledge to be successful.
To learn more about the Taco Bell Foundation and the Community Grants program, please visit tacobellfoundation.org/who-we-support.
About DECA
DECA Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit career and technical student organization that prepares high school and college students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.
About Taco Bell Foundation
Taco Bell Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity that empowers the next generation to pursue their passions by breaking down barriers to education and providing resources to help young people chase their boldest ambitions. Since 1992, the Taco Bell Foundation has reached more than 13 million young people across the country and has awarded more than $278 million in grants and scholarships, focused on education and career readiness. For more information about the Taco Bell Foundation, visit www.tacobellfoundation.org.
