Target, the Minneapolis-based retailer, has donated $40,000 to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center to provide approximately 4,000 Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) students in grades 4, 5 and 8 with transportation and free admission to the Freedom Center.

The grant was made in support of the Freedom Center’s “Schooled on Freedom” program, which is designed to help defray the costs of school visits. It is part of the ongoing efforts by Target to strengthen families and communities throughout the country. Since opening its doors, Target has given 5 percent of its income to organizations that support education, the arts, social services and volunteerism. Today that equals more than $3 million every week.

Don Murphy, the Freedom Center’s President and CEO, said Target’s underwriting of student visits helps strengthen the museum and cultural learning center’s education mission. “Target is a true corporate partner with the Freedom Center. This generous gift is entirely typical of a generous, community-oriented corporation with a well-deserved reputation for supporting non-profit organizations that advance the cause of freedom and diversity.”

“At Target, our local grants are making a difference in the communities we serve,” said Laysha Ward, president, community relations, Target. “We’re proud to partner with the National Underground Freedom Center as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work.”