Frequently Asked Questions
THE INTIATIVE
What is Elevate Together powered by Round It Up America®?
Elevate Together is a non-profit initiative designed to address systemic discrimination and historical racial disparities in business growth and profitability in Black and Hispanic communities. The ODP Corporation (parent company to Office Depot and CompuCom) is the initiative’s founding partner. Funds for the Elevate Together initiative are collected and managed by Round It Up America, a 501(c)3 organization.
What does Elevate Together do?
Through a partnership with the National Urban League and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the initiative delivers education, access and aid that accelerates the creation, growth and prosperity of Black and Hispanic small businesses.
What is the role of The ODP Corporation in the Elevate Together initiative?
In 2018, Office Depot, an ODP company, proudly launched its community investment mission called #depotdifference, bringing a focused, hands-on approach to empower all associates to make a difference through volunteer service and philanthropic giving in three cause focus areas: Empowering Education, Championing Minority Entrepreneurship, and Strengthening Communities.
To drive its focus on Championing Minority Entrepreneurship, and in keeping with its long-standing history of serving local community businesses, The ODP Corporation is the founding partner of the Elevate Together initiative. The ODP Corporation will engage its associates and customers in this mission and invite other like-minded corporations to partner in the initiative by leveraging their financial resources and business expertise to foster new opportunities for Black and Hispanic small businesses to grow and succeed.
DONATIONS
How will donations be used?
Elevate Together powered by Round It Up America® works with the National Urban League and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to deliver impactful, measurable and scalable support services that foster business creation and growth opportunities for Black and Hispanic businesses. Services include education and training, mentoring and advisory. Some businesses may also be eligible to receive a cash grant or in-kind products and services from the initiative.
Can individuals donate to Elevate Together directly?
Donations to the Elevate Together initiative are currently being collected through point-of-sale terminals at Office Depot OfficeMax retail stores, through the point-of-sale checkout process on OfficeDepot.com, and through employee payroll deductions at The ODP Corporation.
How can corporations donate to Elevate Together?
Corporate donors can contribute to the Elevate Together initiative through Round It Up America, a 501(c)3 organization. Interested corporate donors should contact ElevateTogether@officedepot.com.
Is Elevate Together a 501(c)3 non-profit organization?
Elevate Together is a non-profit initiative powered by Round It Up America, a 501(c)3 organization. Round It Up America collects and distributes all funds donated to the Elevate Together initiative.
Are donations to Elevate Together powered by Round It Up America® tax deductible?
Elevate Together is powered by Round It Up America, a 501(c)(3) organization responsible for the collection and distribution of donations. Donations to the Elevate Together initiative are generally tax deductible for both individuals and corporations. Donors should consult a tax professional to resolve questions regarding their particular donation.
SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT
How does a business participate in the Elevate Together initiative?
Black and Hispanic small business owners interested in participating in the initiative must contact the National Urban League at 212-558-5442 or the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 202-842-1212 during standard business hours Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm EST.
Why should a business participate in the Elevate Together initiative?
Black and Hispanic small business owners that are part of the Elevate Together initiative will receive short and/or long term-term education and training, mentoring and advisory services delivered by local community partners. Some businesses may also be eligible to receive a cash grant or in-kind products and services from the initiative.
In how many locations will the Elevate Together initiative be launched?
Elevate Together will launch in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and South Florida. The initiative will eventually be expanded to additional geographic locations in the United States.