The Taco Bell Foundation is awarding a record-breaking $28 million in Community Grants in 2025 – marking the first year that Community Lodgings has been selected as a grant recipient.
Community Lodgings is proud to announce it has been selected as a Taco Bell Foundation 2025 Community Grant recipient. The funding will support our NextUp program, which is a concentrated track for high school students in Community Lodgings’ Youth Education Program, who seek vocational and/or secondary education opportunities. The program provides the specialized support required for first-generation youth in Arlandria-Chirilagua, helping to access essential resources to achieve their goals.
“We are thankful to the Taco Bell Foundation for this generous grant. Their support will open doors for at-risk students, providing the guidance, resources, and encouragement they need to succeed in school and beyond, and to chase their dreams. It’s an investment in their future to build confidence, discover their potential, and imagine a brighter future where they succeed,” said Lynn Thomas, Executive Director of Community Lodgings.
The Taco Bell Foundation awarded a record-breaking $28 million in Community Grants this year to nearly 500 nonprofit organizations nationwide. 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.
“We believe that empowering young people is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the future. This record investment is a testament to the power of community-driven change and the limitless potential that exists when we remove barriers and open doors,” said Lisa Lane Cardin, Executive Director of the Taco Bell Foundation.
With this funding, Community Lodgings will expand its NextUp program to offer up to 19 high school students college-ready opportunities through Scholarship Hero℠. Students will have access to an expert who will help them navigate the college admissions process, financial aid, and scholarship applications. Additionally, this funding will support six (6) college campus tours (trade schools, 2-year, 4-year), and provide additional coaching support for students seeking vocational training.
