BENTONVILLE, Ark., Dec. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On the seventh day of its "12 Days of Giving" holiday campaign, Walmart is awarding $165,000 to 11 nonprofits that are helping individuals gain the education, training and resources they need to build and maintain careers. One of the winning organizations, Dress for Success Des Moines, serves its community by providing disadvantaged women with professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help them thrive in work and in life. Since its opening in July 2011, the organization has provided suits for more than 200 women.

Over twelve consecutive days, Walmart will award a total of $1.5 million to 140 organizations across the country that are providing basic needs and services such as food, shelter, clothing and medical care. Organizations receiving grants today are featured on Walmart's Live Better tab on Facebook. The organizations serve communities in: California, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nebraska, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Washington.

"Job training empowers people to realize their dreams and improve their lives," said Sylvia Mathews Burwell, president of the Walmart Foundation. "By helping people develop practical skills for success, today's organizations are having a lasting impact on individuals, families and communities."

Walmart's November call for submissions resulted in more than 21,677 nominations from Facebook users who submitted descriptions of each nonprofit's impact in its local community. Submissions were initially reviewed by Walmart associates from across the company and then a panel from the Walmart Foundation selected the winning organizations.

The organizations being spotlighted today for "Fueling Lifelong Careers" include:

About Philanthropy at Walmart 
Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are committed to helping people live better through philanthropic efforts. By operating globally and giving back locally, Walmart is uniquely positioned to address the needs of the communities it serves and make a significant social impact within its core areas of giving: Hunger Relief and Nutrition, Sustainability, Workforce Opportunity and Women's Economic Empowerment. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are leading the fight against hunger in the United States with a $2 billion commitment through 2015. To date, Walmart has donated more than 1 billion pounds of food to those in need across the country. To learn more about Walmart's giving, visit foundation.walmart.com.

SOURCE Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.