Grants

TD today launched the TD Ready Challenge, an annual North American initiative that has ten $1 million (CDN) grants available to help catalyze innovative solutions for a changing world. The announcement follows the recent launch of The Ready Commitment, a multi-year program targeting CDN $1 billion (US $775 million) in total by 2030 towards community giving.

Canton, Illinois, is leading the way with science, technology, math and engineering curriculum. Thanks to a grant from Project Lead The Way (PLTW) made possible by Astellas USA Foundation, teachers in Canton High School are changing the shape of STEM education for the next generation. With hands-on and real-world curricular programming and teacher training, students have better access to the tools needed to fuel their imaginations and pursue STEM-related careers.

American Express announced today that the company will join forces with Strive for College and UStrive Inc. to increase college access for students across the United States. Strive for College is a national nonprofit that provides students with mentoring through the college admissions and financial aid application process through the UStrive virtual mentoring platform. American Express has committed $500,000 to the initiative, and plans to engage hundreds of American Express professionals as mentors to the underserved youth Strive for College serves.

The Benevity Engagement Study, an analysis of the link between participation in corporate Goodness programs and employee retention, found that turnover dropped by 57 percent in the employee group most deeply connected to their companies’ giving and volunteering efforts.

Emphasizing the importance of workforce development and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Duke Energy recently awarded more than $1.56 million in grants to 46 Florida-based programs. The grants are administered through the Duke Energy Foundation, which provides philanthropic support to communities served by Duke Energy, with a focus on "K to Career" educational and workforce development initiatives, the environment and community impact.

As part of Tyson Foods’ efforts to raise the world’s expectations for how much good food can do and its commitment to support the communities it serves where help is needed most, the company announced today over $600,000 in grants to six community healthcare providers in four states.

Wells Fargo Housing Foundation's VeteranWINS program addresses veteran homelessness and sustainable housing

Duke Energy is expanding its investment in local students and workforce development by funding 36 education and training programs – totaling nearly $600,000 – in southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky. The grants, which are administered by the Duke Energy Foundation, will benefit and enhance educational programs focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), childhood reading proficiency and workforce development.

Wells Fargo today announced a total of $250,000 in donations for three local nonprofits to help revitalize Denver-Aurora neighborhoods through the Wells Fargo NeighborhoodLIFT® program.

As the World’s largest travel network, American Express has a deep understanding of the influence buildings and landmarks can have on society. And, as regular readers of my blog know, we have a long history of helping communities thrive through the power of preservation.