About the NRF Foundation

Providing the skills and resources needed for a life-changing career.

We’re part of the National Retail Federation. NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association. As NRF’s nonprofit 501(c)(3), we connect people to an industry that’s a great place to start and a great place to grow.

Our NRF Foundation RISE Up training gives people the skills they need to secure a career in retail and beyond. More than 900 high schools, career-and-technical education centers and workforce boards nationwide use it. Nearly 500,000 people have earned a first chance or a fresh start with our industry-recognized training. Our NRF Foundation RISE Up training teaches essential skills, including customer service, sales and more, giving people the skills they need to secure a career in retail and beyond.

We award more than a half-million dollars in college scholarships each year, helping undergraduates erase debt and gain real-world experience. And our virtual and in-person programming includes hiring events and insights from industry experts that help the next generation of talent launch careers.

Together, we help people build better lives and stronger communities.

a guy and a girl set of students talking to a lady at the student program career fair 2018

Connecting people to an industry that's a great place to start and grow. 

An Industry of Opportunity
Retail builds better lives and stronger communities.
Retail employee at work
Undergraduate Scholarships
Our scholarship programs offer valuable opportunities for undergraduates to get real-world experience, connect with industry professionals and build skills to use throughout their career.
Retail Skills Training
RISE Up is the NRF Foundation's training and credentialing program that provides foundational employability skills to help people land jobs and get promoted in retail and beyond. Perfect for individuals, retailers, high schools and more.
University Membership
More than 100 colleges and universities nationwide are NRF University Member Schools. Membership covers the entire campus and gives access to exclusive content, scholarships and more.
NRF Job Board
Retailers across the country are hiring now. Connect to your next great opportunity.
NRF Foundation Honors
The NRF Foundation Honors is our biggest stage for telling the story of how retail builds extraordinary careers. At the Honors, we recognize The Visionary (the most coveted award in retail) and The List of People Shaping Retail’s Future. We also award a community partner that is making an impact with our retail skills training and announce the recipients of our undergraduate scholarships.
Talent Acquisition Group (TAG)
The Talent Acquisition Group brings together retail recruiters from different formats and brands to discuss opportunities and solutions.