Mariner is a national financial services firm dedicated to positively impacting the lives of many, including clients, associates and communities. This commitment started in 2006 with CEO Marty Bicknell, who has embedded a culture of giving back into the firm’s core values. Since 2021, Mariner has utilized the corporate giving services from the Community Foundation’s national entity Greater Horizons to further enhance its corporate philanthropy program.
The Mariner Foundation
The Mariner Foundation is Mariner’s associate-run corporate foundation, funded through associate donations and a dollar-for-dollar company match. With a mission to improve lives by educating, bridging, and equipping individuals and organizations with tools and opportunities, the foundation has awarded over $7 million in grants to over 1,000 organizations. In 2024 alone, the foundation has donated over $830,000 to over 200 organizations.
In addition to the associate-run foundation board, Mariner associates have many other opportunities to give back. Associates can submit grant recommendations to the foundation’s board, which allows all voices to be heard in grantmaking decisions. Mariner also offers 16 hours of paid volunteer time each year to provide associates with the opportunity to engage with the causes they care about most as individuals.
+Impact Day
Mariner associates were introduced to a new corporate philanthropy engagement opportunity this past year with the inaugural +Impact Day, a nationwide, full-day initiative dedicated to making an impact.
In May 2024, Mariner associates embraced their culture of positively impacting the lives of many by partnering with organizations to serve their local communities. “As Mariner continues to grow, we saw a need to expand the footprint of the Mariner Foundation and provide structured opportunities for associates to give back beyond a financial contribution. This annual event allows associates to connect with each other, create relationships in their communities while helping others, and discover new ways to give back,” says Cassie Bicknell, Community Engagement Manager.
In addition to volunteering time, the Mariner Foundation gave associates the opportunity to apply for Impact grants that were awarded to nonprofit organizations that partnered with them during the event.
Mariner thought its inaugural +Impact Day was a hit! Over 790 associates volunteered more than 2,100 hours of service. They partnered with 71 organizations and awarded $170,500 in grants. Mariner is looking forward to coming together again for the event next year and beyond.
We are proud to assist Mariner’s outstanding commitment to the community. Business leaders interested in establishing their own corporate giving program can learn more by connecting with our team at info@growyourgiving.org.