The Cash for Classrooms campaign has returned to Casey’s General Stores Inc. for the fifth year, in partnership with The Coca-Cola Co. Customers of the convenience-store chain can round up at the register, purchase Coca-Cola products and donate at checkout in the Casey’s app to raise funds for grants for education. Buying Coca-Cola products generates five cents for each qualifying beverage purchase up to $250,000.
Casey’s aims to raise $1 million to support K-12 public and nonprofit private schools in the retailer’s communities.
“Students and teachers are at the heart of the communities we serve every day,” said Katie Petru, Casey’s director of communications and community. “Through the incredible generosity of our guests, team members, and partners, we’re proud to support education programs and schools who share our passion for education and creating opportunities for students. Service is at the core of who we are at Casey’s, and we’re honored to help build stronger futures through these grants.”
Since it began in 2020, the Cash for Classrooms program has awarded more than 400 grants totaling nearly $5 million, including $1.5 million in direct contributions from Casey’s. Last year, schools across 17 Midwestern and Southern states received 80 grants totaling $900,000.
“The Coca-Cola Co. and our bottling partners are inspired by the Cash for Classrooms program that Casey’s has built,” said Kristi Fenton, Coca-Cola director national sales. “We are proud supporters of education and thrilled to partner with Casey’s on this mission to raise $1 million to support schools in their communities.”
Recent examples of Cash for Classrooms grants in action include:
- Leavenworth Senior High School in Leavenworth, Kansas, used its $25,000 grant to update its culinary space, fostering its students’ passion for culinary arts in a safe and sanitary environment.
- Partin Elementary in Van Alstyne, Texas, received $26,000 to purchase Thinkbooks for teachers and iPads for students in the school’s technology center.
- Perryville Elementary in Perryville, Arkansas, expanded its playground with accessible features for students with disabilities to enjoy structured physical activities thanks to its $24,921 grant.
- West Branch High School in West Branch, Iowa, received $41,255 for new band equipment, allowing students to participate without financial barriers.
Money raised directly funds individual grants of up to $50,000 for physical improvements, material needs, teacher support and community engagement initiatives in Casey’s communities.
- Casey’s General Stores Inc. is No. 3 on CSP’s 2025 Top 202 ranking of convenience-store chains by store count.
The Ankeny, Iowa-based company operates approximately 2,900 convenience stores in 20 states. It is the third-largest c-store retailer and the fifth-largest pizza chain in the United States.
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