Spark Good Local Grants
Creating an effortless grant application experience.
Simplifying the process for nonprofits and saving time.
Internal Team
​UX Designers (Team of 3) · UX Manager · Product Managers · Developers · Tech Managers · Business Representatives
Role + Tools
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UX Designer · Facilitator · Researcher
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Figma · Excel
Key Contributions
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Implemented data-driven design improvements based on research insights.
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Led usability testing to understand existing gaps.
Background
What is Walmart Foundation?
In 1982, Walmart founded the Walmart Foundation, an internal corporate philanthropic organization to provide monetary support to Walmart associates during times of hardship and non-profit organizations to serve their communities.​
What is Spark Good Local Grants?
​​Spark Good Grants is a program funded by Walmart Foundation that allows non-profit organizations (NPO) to seek monetary assistance to serve the needs of their local community.
Team Objective
The team and I aim to reduce the friction and high administrative expenses of the grant process
As a result of our work, we conducted multiple design iterations, performed extensive usability testing, and created a detailed hand-off file, ensuring developers could easily understand and implement the designs.
We leverage previous discovery work to understand use cases needed for Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
Process
Streamlining Non-Profit and Walmart Collaboration
There were different processes that non-profit organizations and Walmart associates must follow. To understand the ecosystem, the team and I review user discovery work and communicated with business, product, and engineering on the front/backend processes, tools, and people’s roles within process. From these resources, the team and I were able to identify the necessary use cases and created several design iterations resulting in a detailed hand-off file.
Uncovering Inefficiencies and Identifying Opportunities
Through this collaboration, we were able to uncover and address areas of inefficiencies within the process, areas of pain points for the roles, and areas of opportunities for improvements within the system.
Outcomes
Enhancing Efficiency and Community Impact
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The Spark Good Grants platform streamlines the process for NPOs to submit applications to nearby Walmart stores, enhancing the efficiency in reviewing and approving grants, and budget reviews.
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The Spark Good Grants platform has significantly improved application processing and budget management, reduced operational costs, and helped maintain a positive reputation within local communities.
Additionally, for my contribution on this project, I was recognized and awarded with a prestigious Walmart's Rookie of the Year Award 2023 for being a proactive, resourceful problem solver, who consistently leads her work with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn and grow her professional skillsets.
Reflection
Lessons Learned: Moving Toward a Unified Platform Solution
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This project broadened my understanding of Walmart's extensive philanthropy efforts,
highlighting overlapping use cases among various philanthropy products. -
​In the next phase, we focused on understanding the entire philanthropy ecosystem to work towards a unified platform solution.
Testimonial
"She has been
a source of inspiration
to our colleagues. She has remained
steadfast in her dedication to their job.
Her dedication, commitment, and leadership
have been an inspiration to all of us,
and I believe that she is truly
deserving of recognition
for all that she does"