Taco Bell Foundation Awards Record $32 Million to 700 Youth Nonprofits

Taco Bell has long been a proponent of helping students achieve success in and out of the classroom. The Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship celebrated its tenth anniversary last year, and while most people know of Taco Bell’s impact on students through this program, there are additional ways the fast-food organization is giving back to students. Learn more about how Taco Bell is investing more than $32 million in student nonprofits and how you, as a student, can benefit from its charitable giving.

The Record Investment at a Glance

Taco Bell’s giving through Community Grants is up 40% year-over-year, which is allowing the charitable giving to reach 200 more organizations. These nonprofits range from nationwide charities, like Junior Achievement and College Advising Corps, to local partners within communities. How does this impact you? Most of these organizations work to create more opportunities for young people through education, career readiness, mentorship, and empowerment, according to a press release from Taco Bell.

Where the Money Comes From: Round Up

Interestingly, the funds for the generous giving to Taco Bell’s Community Grants and Live Más Scholarship Program come from…you! Each time you “Round Up” your drive-thru order at Taco Bell, you’re donating to their philanthropic funding. The average “Round Up” is just 41 cents. It may not seem like much, but that figure contributed to over $51 million raised in 2025 alone. The best part is that Taco Bell employees decide where the money goes. Each franchise is responsible for selecting local organizations that will benefit from its customers' generosity. Morgan Tabor, Executive Director of the Taco Bell Foundation, stated in the press release, “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.”

Coming Soon: The Live Más Scholarship Program

While the Community Grants from the Taco Bell Foundation go to organizations that support students through a variety of resources, the Live Más Scholarship Program benefits students directly by helping them cover a large portion of their higher education costs. The scholarship is available to high school and college students who are pursuing a college degree, an associate degree, or a trade certification. These scholarships are available in amounts up to $25,000, and they are renewable for each year that the student is enrolled. This incredible scholarship opportunity will be opening soon. Update your Fastweb profile and check your email notifications so you can apply as soon as it opens. And remember, Round Up on your Taco Bell order; it could pay your college tuition!