Community Investment: Corporations Giving More When Times Uncertain
Trend: Post-pandemic, companies are committing to a culture of “corporate responsibility” in new and exciting ways.
In a world where corporate responsibility extends beyond the balance sheet, companies are increasingly recognizing their role in shaping communities.
Since 2020, the Foundation has seen a 13% increase in new corporate giving funds, including a 50% increase in new Center for Corporate Philanthropy clients last year alone. Many of these new funds are FFTC Corporate Donor Advised Funds – a powerful philanthropic tool that simplifies and streamlines how companies of all sizes give back to their communities. Nationally, corporations increased their giving by 3.4% in 2022 compared to 2021 (according to Giving USA 2023, an annual report featuring national philanthropic data).
This shift in corporate philanthropy is exemplified by companies such as Food Lion, Bojangles and TELUS. Over the last few years, these FFTC fundholders have focused their giving strategies on causes that are meaningful to their employees, such as food insecurity and support services to military veterans and their families. The result has been an increased wave of corporate commitment that benefits our region and beyond.
FFTC remains a steadfast partner to our region’s most generous companies – illuminating the path that leads to a world where corporate philanthropy isn't just a responsibility, it's a catalyst for a brighter future. (Continued below.)
"We believe that nobody should have to choose between dinner and rent or gas and groceries."
- Adam Bass, vice president of pricing, Food Lion, and president of Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation
Feeding Hope, Fueling Change
The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Food Lion – is rooted in a mission that echoes compassion and empathy, ensuring that no one faces the heart-wrenching dilemma of forgoing essential needs.
"We believe that nobody should have to choose between dinner and rent and gas and groceries," said Adam Bass, vice president of pricing for Food Lion and president of the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation.
In 2023 alone, $785,000 in grants were disbursed from Food Lion’s FFTC Corporate Donor Advised Fund to 221 nonprofit organizations across Food Lion's 10-state reach, as well as a donation of $165,000 to Feeding America to fuel child hunger programs. These grants serve as a local lifeline for entities dedicated to eradicating hunger and promoting nutritional education.
“Our corporate donor advised fund with FFTC assists our fundraising efforts as well as the administration of grant distribution,” said Bass as he sheds a light on the contribution’s impact, “which has been instrumental in allowing our charitable foundation to give back to these communities through the grants we provide.” Bass's leadership has steered the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation to contribute $2.8 million to hunger relief initiatives through their fund at FFTC since it was opened in 2021. (Continued below.)
"To celebrate our company's 45-year anniversary, we established the Bojangles Foundation and designated $45,000 to help with literacy. Nonprofit organizations were able to apply for $1,000 grants to support literacy programs."
- Ken Reynolds, executive director of the Bojangles Foundation
Legacy of Literacy
In 2022, Bojangles, inspired by the local restaurant chain’s 45th anniversary, decided to allocate $45,000 to bolster literacy efforts through the Bojangles Foundation Fund – a corporate donor advised fund established at FFTC. Communities across Bojangles’ footprint were invited to apply for grants to support their literacy programs. The response was overwhelming – 44 organizations received grants, nurturing a culture of learning and growth.
“As a new fund, we have received tremendous support from our employees, franchisees, vendors and, above all, our customers,” said Ken Reynolds, executive director of the Bojangles Foundation Fund. “They are happy to see that our two main pillars – military support and literacy – are helping people in the communities we serve.”
Reynolds is particularly proud of Bojangles’ support for Folds of Honor – a nonprofit that ensures that families who have sacrificed and fought for our country receive the education and opportunities they deserve: “In 2022, we were able to provide them with over $540,000 for scholarships that support students in our footprint,” he said. This reflects Bojangles’ deep-rooted values and commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have served in the military.
Reynolds also acknowledged how Foundation For The Carolinas’ guidance has enhanced Bojangles’ philanthropic efforts: “FFTC has provided tremendous support to us in helping us tell our story and providing us with other opportunities that we could consider to support our objectives.” (Continued below.)
"By aligning business goals with social impact, our unique Community Board grants can provide support to the youth in our communities that need it most."
- Bonita McClure, senior community investment manager, TELUS North Carolina Community Board
Empowering North Carolina's Youth
When TELUS – a Canadian-based technology company – opened its first U.S. branch in North Carolina in December 2022, they were committed to creating meaningful change in the agriculture and consumer goods sectors through technology. Also on their minds: expanding the company’s distinctive philanthropic footprint by engaging local leaders to support grassroots organizations serving vulnerable youth. To make this happen, they established an FFTC Corporate Donor Advised Fund to facilitate giving in the U.S.
For TELUS, social impact is in its DNA. That’s why the company established its TELUS North Carolina Community Board with a commitment of $1 million over four years to grassroots organizations, focusing on the holistic development of youth. Though North Carolina is the first board in the U.S., the company now has 19 community boards globally led by thought leaders.
“By aligning business goals with social impact, our unique Community Board grants can provide support to the youth in our communities that need it most,” said Bonita McClure, senior community investment manager, TELUS. “Working with FFTC has enhanced this process by easing the administration of grant funding by ensuring an extra layer of governance. This enables us to focus on building community relationships and deepening the engagement of our team.”
TELUS’ aim is clear: to provide one-time grants of up to $10,000 each, supporting vulnerable youth across North Carolina in health, education and technology. In its inaugural grant cycle, TELUS awarded:
- $10,000 to GiGi's Playhouse Charlotte – a nonprofit dedicated to reshaping the global perceptions of Down syndrome, with the aim of promoting universal acceptance and understanding.
- $10,000 to Raleigh City Farm – a farm-to-camp initiative that helps campers aged 5-15 learn about nutrition and sustainability from local chefs.
“Our non-verbal participants with Down syndrome are being given a voice, thanks to the funding GiGi's Playhouse Charlotte received to launch an innovative Speech and Technology program that combines augmentative and alternative communication with traditional speech language pathology," said Christy Allen, co-founder and executive director of GiGi’s Playhouse Charlotte. "A valuable tool in speech therapy, assistive technology speaks aloud for the verbally impaired as they select picture and text symbols, enabling them to interact with others and self-advocate.”
At the heart of TELUS' decision to establish an FFTC Corporate Donor Advised Fund lies a core belief that intertwining ethical business practices and impactful social contributions is not just a choice but an imperative.
“With a foundational belief that good business and doing good go hand-in-hand, we believe that today’s companies have a responsibility to help make the world a better place,” said Jill Schnarr, TELUS' social innovation, communications and brand officer. “Collaborating with local community leaders and grassroots charities, we’re proud to leverage our world-leading technology and compassion to drive meaningful change in the communities where we live, work and serve.”