Charity and business go hand in hand. When companies engage in corporate philanthropy, they can shape and transform the world, one nonprofit organization at a time. From local communities to global communities, local charities to global charities, philanthropic efforts are the seed funding for a better future.
At Food for Life Global, we plant those seeds to provide the highest-grade vegan food choices anywhere on Earth. With one million meals served daily across 250 charitable initiatives in 65 countries, our concerted effort is literally shaping the landscape.
Impactful: From Local Communities to Global Changes
Across the world in developed countries, undeveloped nations, and underserved communities, brand-name, mainstream corporations are making meaningful changes daily. These signature charitable efforts and corporate donations are one-of-a-kind.
Here are 23 of the most charitable programs and initiatives, in no particular order, around the world.
(1) Sustainable Eating and Living Through Food for Life Global
At Food for Life Global, we see the impacts of our giving every single day. Our affiliates have served over 8 billion meals worldwide, spreading love through lasting, 100% vegan food choices and lifestyle practices.
Our mission includes nutrition and health, organic gardening, meal workshops, local food relief projects, animal rescue, and full schooling services to communities in need.
Check out what we do and how you can get involved to create positive change in the world like numerous other organizations and companies already have!
(2) Empowering “Free People” Through Nonprofit Organizations
The bohemian-style fashion brand, Free People, has undertaken multiple charitable efforts, especially promoting fair trade and sustainable practices in their supply chains. By sourcing products responsibly and ensuring fair wages for workers, they contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities around the world.
Free People sponsors young Black students pursuing fashion design, has donated $100,000 to the United Negro College Fund, and is also involved in the following social justice programs:
The Innocence Project
Antiracist Research and Policy Center
Equal Justice Initiative
Year Up
Overall, Free People works hard to honor its namesake, contributing to a free, egalitarian, and caring global society.
(3) Google Ad Grants
The almighty Google algorithm has seemingly limitless reach, so it’s no wonder the company has helped international, regional, and local organizations across developed and developing countries. Google Ad Grants provides free advertising services to eligible nonprofit recipients.
Since its inception 20 years prior, the program has driven 14 billion clicks to nonprofits’ websites, helping them increase volunteerism, attract corporate funding, expand employee donations, and directly impact communities, organizations, and other social investments.
The company empowers up to 65,000 nonprofits, which receive as much as $10,000 of donated Search ads each month.
(4) General Mills’ Foundation & Matching Gift Program
Not just a cereal giant, General Mills has also spearheaded joint initiatives that leverage collective resources to make an even greater impact.
By providing a matching gift program, the company increases the impact of employee donations and boosts employee morale and engagement. General Mills has been helping families, communities, and non-profits, funding 471 charities worldwide and providing a cumulative $2.6 billion in charitable giving since 1954.
From book donations for young people to food banks, social initiatives, and local community ventures, General Mills is one of the most generous companies strengthening communities and feeding America anywhere.
(5) The BP Foundation
BP is more than just a gas company. With five committed board members and six directors, the legally distinct BP Foundation has donated immense time, resources, and charitable grants to local markets, eligible organizations, and numerous initiatives.
In the fiscal year of 2021, volunteers gave more than 30,000 hours through the organization, and the foundation delivered more than $2 million to non-profits through its Match Program.
As the philanthropic arm of the company, the BP Foundation will not accept unsolicited proposals and focuses on local and support organizations in two critical areas: disaster relief and employee fund-matching. Due to its 501(c)(3) status, the nonprofit can only provide philanthropy to a verified charitable organization.
(6) The Best Buy Foundation
With a resounding mission to enrich lives through technology, Best Buy channels its community endeavors toward empowering youth to excel in the digital age. Since 2007, the Best Buy Foundation has given more than $25 million to community-based organizations, with the majority of donated time, resources, and money coming in the last decade.
The company aims to have 100 Teen Tech Centers by 2025, fostering a safe, after-school education environment with innovative technologies. Meanwhile, the Geek Squad Academy camps immerse youth in coding, digital music, film production, and 3D design applications, to name just some.
Whether focused on hometown giving in Seattle, empowering tomorrow’s tech wizards, or sponsoring charitable events and partnerships, the company is making a huge difference!
(7) Nordstrom’s Grant Program Enriches Local Charities
The signature Nordstrom Grant Program is just part of the company and its corporate giving framework. The Grant Program awards over $2 million in local grants yearly to organizations and companies in the fields of Education, Health Care, and Human Services.
Literacy, shelter, food, medicine, and clothing drive Nordstrom’s nationwide, community-based initiatives.
By 2025, the company aims to invest $50 million in communities where it operates, boost employee volunteerism to 250,000 annual hours, and increase employee participation in Match Programs to 20% yearly. Whether sheltering, clothing, treating, educating, or feeding America, Nordstrom is leading the charge.
(8) The Starbucks’ Foundation and Volunteer Program
More than just a coffee empire, Starbucks is a beacon of compassion, embracing philanthropy as a core value and weaving it into the fabric of its company culture. The company harnesses the collective power of its passionate and mobile employees, known as partners, to give back to the communities they serve.
Since 2005, The Starbucks Foundation has used philanthropy to brew up more than $25 million in programs that bolster coffee and tea-growing communities. Starbucks’ Origin Grants support women’s leadership and pro-women companies and help to expand clean water and sanitation access throughout Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
The Foundation has also delivered $3.2 million in grants to almost 90 nonprofits in 40 countries while receiving over 65,000 nominations from Starbucks partners advocating for community groups. Pretty impressive!
(9) The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
With $53.8 billion spent since 2000, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is truly global in scale. They work hand in hand with governments, nonprofits, and localized organizations, aiming to empower individuals, strengthen systems, and create sustainable change that will endure for generations to come.
From providing access to life-saving vaccines and healthcare to enhancing agricultural practices for smallholder farmers, the foundation strives to reach those who face the hardest challenges.
Bill Gates’ brainchild, Microsoft, has also been highly active in the business of charity.
In the past decade, many Microsoft employees have provided untold in-kind donations through the Foundation, strengthening the global social fabric, inspiring like-minded companies, and addressing significant intercultural problems and barriers.
(10) Bank of America’s Matching Gift Program
Bank of America’s Matching Gift Program is a shining example of the company’s compassionate and philanthropic endeavors. Through this program, the business matches its employees’ charitable donations to eligible nonprofit organizations, doubling the impact of their contributions.
The program’s parameters are comprehensive, encompassing a wide range of charitable causes. Employees can donate to local nonprofits, nonprofit partners, and organizations focused on education, disaster response, hunger relief, economic opportunity, and other basic needs.
Through their generosity, “the America Bank” and its employees set an inspiring example for other charitable businesses, demonstrating the potential for business objectives to align with social benefit.
(11) Financial Services Firm, JPMorgan Chase & Co.
The JPMorgan Chase Foundation is the firm’s primary philanthropic arm and supports initiatives in economic development, small business development, financial literacy, and community development.
With $30 billion committed to racial equity, five million small businesses served, and 215,000 affordable houses protected since just 2021, this leader among financial services companies is putting its money where its mouth is.
The firm has also made and facilitated monetary and in-kind donations to low-income families, black-women-led nonprofits, veteran companies and businesses, and various other underserved groups, people, and communities.
(12) The Coca-Cola Foundation
The Coca-Cola Company seeks to improve the well-being and sustainability of communities globally. The foundation’s charitable endeavors focus on water stewardship, education, youth empowerment, healthy and active lifestyles, women’s empowerment and gender equality, and local community enhancement.
In 2021, Coca-Cola donated $2 million to the American Red Cross and CARE for global disaster preparedness.
Focused on higher learning, the company has also delivered $69 million in scholarships over the past two decades. Through the First Generation Scholarship program, over 600 college students now attend colleges and universities nationwide. Overall, the company’s philanthropic efforts extend across key areas and causes, impacting lives daily.
(13) Teradata’s Community Relations
Teradata, a global data analytics and software company, is committed to positively impacting society through its Community Relations efforts. The company supports initiatives that promote STEM education, digital literacy, and technology access in underserved communities.
Through its Doing Good With Data program, the company collaborates with non-profit entities and government agencies to use data and analytics for social impact. Data analytics can combat poverty, improve healthcare outcomes, address climate change, and enhance disaster response and recovery efforts.
Teradata has partnered with DataKind, a non-profit organization that aligns data scientists with social and civil groups and nongovernmental organizations to serve humanity.
(14) American Airlines’ “Let Good Take Flight”
This globetrotting initiative focuses on three primary areas of philanthropy: social good, global health and well-being, and military heroes. Through its extensive network and resources, American Airlines assists in transporting personnel, supplies, and equipment to hospitals, disaster areas, and military personnel.
American Airlines also works closely with relief operations to provide financial support, flights for volunteers, and logistical assistance in times of need.
American Airlines donated over 157,000 volunteer hours and more than 20 million travel miles in 2022.
(15) Southwest Airlines’ Medical Transportation Grant Program
Another renowned airline, Southwest Airlines, has provided over $42.6 million in free flights to 117 nonprofit medical establishments across 28 states through its Medical Transportation Grant Program.
The program primarily focuses on supporting patients requiring specialized treatments, including but not limited to organ transplants, cancer treatments, specialized surgeries, and other critical medical procedures.
The hospitals evaluate patients’ financial needs, medical conditions, and the necessity of travel to determine eligibility for the grant.
(16) The SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund
Who doesn’t love Mother Nature and its enchanting wildlife and natural resources?
That’s why the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund supports initiatives to understand and conserve threatened animals, including marine mammals, birds, reptiles, and terrestrial wildlife. By providing resources and grants, these projects conduct vital research, implement conservation strategies, and raise awareness about the importance of preserving these species.
The Fund also safeguards vital ecosystems like coral reefs, mangrove forests, rainforests, and wetlands. The non-profit is proud to have delivered over $17 million toward more than 1,200 research & conservation projects globally.
(17) Dick‘s Sporting Goods Foundation
Since 2014, the famous sporting retailer has donated over $80 million to youth sports. As of 2022, the 501(c)(3) has delivered over 270,000 pieces of equipment and supported 1,500+ sports leagues across the U.S.
The non-profit corporation primarily provides financial grants, equipment donations, and other assistance to various bodies, schools, and neighborhood groups involved in youth sports.
Through youth sports, the foundation aims to address several important social issues. It recognizes that sports can be a powerful tool for positive social change, helping to reduce childhood obesity rates, enhance academic performance, foster inclusivity, and promote social integration.
(18) Home Depot’s Matching Gift Program
Home Depot’s Matching Gift Program, like most corporate matching gift programs, is designed to encourage and support employee charitable giving. The program typically allows eligible employees to make donations to eligible charitable organizations of their choice, and Home Depot will match those donations up to a particular limit.
The company will match eligible associate donations ranging from $25 to $3,000 for each charity, dollar-for-dollar. Home Depot will verify the donation with the designated charitable organization before approving the match. This helps ensure that the donation and organization meet all criteria.
(19) The JCPenney Communities Foundation
This American department store chain goes above and beyond with philanthropy. Established in 2021, its nonprofit mostly partners with organizations that offer recreational and educational opportunities for young people. It strives to enhance the overall well-being of children and teenagers, promoting their physical, social, and emotional development.
In 2022, the 501(c)3 contributed $100,000 to Mental Health America, and in 2021, delivered $1.4 million in Leader Grants to local JCPenney communities such as the Boys & Girls Clubs and Communities in Schools programs.
JCPenney is a difference-maker in education, youth development, health and wellness, and community revitalization.
(20) Macy’s “Mission Every One” Program
The “Mission Every One” program aims to foster positive change by focusing on three key areas: diversity, equity, and inclusion; environmental sustainability; and community engagement. The company focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water and energy, and adopting eco-friendly practices.
Macy’s commits to creating a workforce, leadership structure, and supplier base that promotes fairness, equality, and cultural understanding. As of 2022, Macy’s had donated over $35 million to 800+ U.S. organizations, delivered over $3 million in colleague donations, and provided 54,000+ volunteer hours.
The company pledges $5 billion toward its goals through 2025.
(21) Kroger’s “Zero Hunger/Zero Waste” Initiatives
One of the largest supermarket chains in the United States, Kroger is also recognized as one of the most philanthropic companies by supporting over 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research, military families, and over 145,000 organizations.
Over the past half-decade, Kroger has given over $1.6 billion to national and local operations that feed families, with some $1 billion focused on the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative.
Through corporate giving and corporate philanthropy, the company’s two foundations have directed over $300 million annually to aligned partners and causes.
(22) The Fresh Market’s Nonprofit Partnerships
The Fresh Market collaborates with nonprofit organizations across different focus areas, including hunger relief, health and wellness, education, and local community support. However, the company’s main partner is Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks that fights hunger and reduces food insecurity.
A “Leadership Partner” with Feeding America, The Fresh Market actively targets 200 foodbanks feeding over 40 million people, including 12 million youths and 7 million seniors.
The Fresh Market store makes weekly and daily food donations to its partners, enriching communities and addressing a major problem globally: starvation, malnutrition, and hunger.
(23) Walmart – A Titan of Philanthropy
Last but certainly not least is Walmart. We all know Walmart as the massive multinational retail corporation selling just about everything, but did you know that in 2022, the company and its affiliates gave over $1.5 billion in cash and in-kind donations to support programs across the globe?
Through Walmart Supercenters, Walmart Discount Stores, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club membership-only warehouse clubs, the corporation operates various charitable entities.
These include the Walmart Foundation, the Walmart Associate Giving Program, the annual Fight Hunger, Spark Change campaign, Walmart’s Disaster Relief efforts, Walmart’s Youth Voice Program, its Women’s Economic Empowerment programs, the VAP (Volunteerism Always Pays) program, and the Walmart Local Community Grants program.
Your options are numerous when working with or through Walmart to effectuate positive change!
Are You Ready to Get Involved and Make a Difference?
As you can see, there are countless companies, organizations, nonprofits, and corporate philanthropists changing our world. At Food for Life Global, we are just one of many, but our role is paramount.
By nurturing healthy lifestyles, cultivating incredible food, protecting environments and wildlife, we aim to spread an inspiring message of love and compassion worldwide. From some of the most underprivileged and ravaged communities to some of the most advanced, our vegan mission is changing the planet one free meal at a time. And you can too.
There are many ways you can create a difference. Join us and make your impact today.
