“I think it’s the responsibility of all of us to give back. You get almost more in return because of the connections that your team forms with each other doing something outside of just their daily work; that strength and that bond are what create a stronger and better team, a stronger and better culture, and they’re going to do …
Branding with a Big Heart: A Conversation with Chase McAnulty of Charlie Hustle
“The more you give the more you get. What giving does is it brings back the intention and it helps you also leverage a lot of great connections. We’ve met a lot of amazing people through just supporting their causes. It leads you to different places, it opens up other doors. So, just do it. See where it leads to. …
Employee-Inspired Giving: A Conversation with Laura Coy and Paige LaCour of William Blair
Chicago-based global investment banking and wealth management firm William Blair gives back through grants, sponsorships, employee matching gifts, volunteering and nonprofit board development. And, just last year, the firm donated $3.5 million to more than 900 charities. Director of Philanthropy Strategy Laura Coy and Senior Philanthropy Strategy Associate Paige LaCour recently joined the Community Foundation’s Corporate Services Specialist NaTika Rowles …
A Deep Culture of Generosity: A Conversation with Nancy Phelps of JE Dunn Construction
On a recent episode of the Grow Your Giving podcast, Nancy Phelps, Director of Community Impact at JE Dunn Construction shares how the construction company’s corporate giving program has created a culture of generosity throughout the business. Listen in as LaVon Colhour, the Community Foundation’s Director of Corporate Services, and Nancy discuss JE Dunn’s philanthropic efforts in the communities where …
How to Support Australian Wildfire Relief
More than 46 million acres of land have been burned by the wildfires raging across Australia. With an early start in September, the 2019-2020 wildfire season is unprecedented. The catastrophic fires have already claimed at least 33 lives with the death toll expected to rise. More than one billion animals, including many endangered species, are estimated to have also lost …
A Conversation with Ray Kowalik of Burns & McDonnell: Four Ways to Support Corporate Giving
At a recent Corporate Giving Network event, representatives from companies around Kansas City were invited to discuss how to create a culture of giving in the workplace. Burns & McDonnell chairman and CEO Ray Kowalik and Foundation director Julee Koncak shared several tried-and-true ways to support philanthropy in the workplace. 1. Empower employee giving. “The power of people being proud …
Philanthropy is for Everyone: A Conversation with Anthony Shop of Social Driver
Social Driver, a small digital agency headquartered in Washington, D.C., was recently named one of D.C.’s 18 most charitable companies. Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer Anthony Shop joined us on the Grow Your Giving podcast to talk about how even as a small company, Social Driver is able to give back and make an impact. Social Driver supports both local …
Corporate Giving Success Story: McCownGordon Construction
Founded 20 years ago in 1999, McCownGordon Construction is responsible for the development, planning and building of many construction projects across the country. The 100% employee-owned company focuses on its three core values of integrity, relationships, and performance. McCownGordon partnered with the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation more than a decade ago to establish the McCownGordon Charitable Foundation. Since …
Creating a Culture of Giving Back: A Conversation with Austin Hall of Pro Athlete, Inc.
With just over 50 employees, Pro Athlete, Inc., an online retailer selling baseball and softball bats and gloves, was recently named a Best Place to Work and one of Kansas City’s healthiest employers by the Kansas City Business Journal. Boasting top-notch facilities and amenities, Pro Athlete offers an employee experience unlike any other. While the benefits and perks make for …
Corporate Giving Success Story: Honeywell
Honeywell, which manages the Kansas City National Security Campus for the U.S. Department of Energy, is ramping up its efforts to support key community initiatives, including workforce development. Honeywell and its predecessor companies have been part of the Kansas City community for nearly 70 years. Honeywell has a long history of supporting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education to …