MOORESVILLE, N.C. February 02, 2012 - Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded more than $2 million in Lowe’s Toolbox for Education® grants to 588 schools throughout the nation. The grants were given to schools and parent organizations for parent-initiated, school-improvement projects benefiting K-12 public education.

The projects funded during the fall grant period include outdoor classrooms, technology and safety improvements, library renovations, walking trails, greenhouses and edible vegetable gardens.

“Lowe’s is committed to recognizing and supporting efforts that enrich the lives of our neighbors and customers,” said Marshall Croom, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “By supporting these schools nationwide, we know we’re contributing to a cause that’s important to our customers and employees and helping build stronger communities.”

Launched in partnership with PTO Today, a leading organization serving parent-teacher groups, Lowe’s Toolbox for Education program has donated more than $30 million to 6,000 schools since its inception in 2006. The grants have benefited more than 3.5 million schoolchildren. Grants are available to K-12 public schools in the United States for a wide range of improvement projects. Large schools and school districts are eligible to receive Toolbox grants up to $100,000 for improvement initiatives.

To view a full list of the winning projects for the fall 2011 cycle and for information on applying for a 2012 grant, visit www.ToolboxforEducation.com.

Since its inception in 1957, Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has helped communities nationwide through employee volunteerism and financial contributions.

About Lowe’s

Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs that focus on K-12 public education and community improvement projects. The company’s signature education grant program, Lowe’s Toolbox for Education, has donated nearly $5 million in grants to K-12 public schools every year since its inception in 2006. Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers support local community projects and our national nonprofit partners such as Habitat for Humanity and the American Red Cross. In 2011, Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation together contributed more than $31 million to support communities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. To learn more, visit Lowes.com/SocialResponsibility.