A deeper look at the Chick-fil-A Foundation’s giving to youth and education programs in 2017 and 2018
Editor's note: Chick-fil-A announced a new focused approach to giving in 2020. Read more about the giving initiatives the Chick-fil-A Foundation has committed to support.
“To have a positive influence on all who come into contact with Chick-fil-A…” It’s a key ingredient in our corporate purpose and the reason why each year, we are proud to donate millions of dollars in the communities we serve.
Chick-fil-A and the Chick-fil-A Foundation support organizations that provide youth and education programs nationwide.
“Our intention both at the corporate and restaurant level is to have a positive influence on our communities by donating to programs that benefit youth and education and are welcoming to all,” said Chick-fil-A Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Executive Director of the Chick-fil-A Foundation, Rodney Bullard. “We are proud of the impact we’ve been able to make so far, and we have a lot yet to do.”
Chick-fil-A is a restaurant company focused on food, service and hospitality, and our restaurants and licensed locations on college campuses welcome everyone. Our corporate office and our more than 2,300 restaurants nationwide are equal opportunity employers and we have no policy of discrimination against any group. We do not have a political or social agenda and more than 120,000 people from different backgrounds and beliefs represent the Chick-fil-A brand.
Where does the Chick-fil-A Foundation donate money and why? Here’s a breakdown of the charitable contributions, gifts and grants the Chick-fil-A Foundation and Chick-fil-A, Inc. donated in 2017 and 2018, and how Chick-fil-A continues to make a positive impact in our local communities.
To learn about all of the work the Chick-fil-A and the Chick-fil-A Foundation does in the community, check out our 2017 Stewardship Report.
CHICK-FIL-A SCHOLARSHIPS
In 2018, Chick-fil-A, Inc. helped more than 5,700 student Team Members attend college, by awarding $14.6 million in scholarships nationwide, an increase from the nearly $8.8 million in scholarships awarded in 2017 and $4.9 million awarded in 2016. Team Members can use the scholarship to support any field of study at any accredited college or university, both on-campus or online.
Chick-fil-A began awarding scholarships in 1973. Since then, nearly 46,700 team members have received scholarships from Chick-fil-A, Inc., bringing the total amount funded to more than $61 million, utilized at more than 3,000 schools nationwide.
Visit chick-fil-a.com/scholarships to learn more.
TRUE INSPIRATION AWARDS
In 2018, The Chick-fil-A® Foundation was honored to donate a combined $1.23 million in grants to 22 not-for-profits, located in 18 states throughout the country. The grants were awarded to local organizations focused on fostering leadership and entrepreneurial spirit in children in the local communities where Chick-fil-A restaurants are located. The Chick-fil-A Foundation donated more than $1.2 million through the awards in 2017 as well.
Now in its fifth year, the True Inspiration Awards were created to carry on Chick-fil-A Founder S. Truett Cathy’s legacy of generosity, community service and dedication to inspiring children to become future leaders. The grants range from $20,000 to $100,000. Chick-fil-A’s franchise Operators nominate many of the organizations selected for this award.
In 2017, the latest tax filing available, Chick-fil-A, Inc. and the Chick-fil-A Foundation donated $9.9 million to student scholarships, the True Inspiration Awards and some of the following not-for-profits:
FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES
In 2017, the Chick-fil-A Foundation donated approximately $1.6 million to FCA. The donation was used to fund sports camps and school programs for inner-city youth in various locations. Many of the school partnerships afford students access to nontraditional sporting programs such as soccer and baseball, which are otherwise not provided. Children who participate in the sports camps and school programming are not required to be members of FCA or sign any FCA pledge.
SALVATION ARMY
In 2017, the Chick-fil-A Foundation donation of approximately $150,000 funded several programs, including camps for kids and the Angel Tree program in Atlanta. As a result, 11,000 children in need throughout the Atlanta area received gifts during the holiday season.
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT
Chick-fil-A and Junior Achievement USA share a belief in the boundless potential of young people. That’s why in 2017, the Chick-fil-A Foundation donated $650,000 to Junior Achievement of Georgia and Junior Achievement USA. The donations supported Junior Achievement facilities, camps and Discovery Center programs, which provide realistic exercises to teach financial literacy, like maintaining a budget and learning to operate a business. In addition to the corporate donation, Chick-fil-A local franchise Operators support more than 20 Junior Achievement facilities across the country providing nearly 300,000 youth with access to training on entrepreneurship, workforce readiness, and financial literacy.
PAUL ANDERSON YOUTH HOMES
In 2017, the Chick-fil-A Foundation provided approximately $6,000 to Paul Anderson Youth Homes, an organization that helps at-risk young men create a fresh start through programs in life skills, vocational and physical training.
Specifically, the money went to support a bike ride fundraiser, operational support, an annual Christmas dinner theatre for local children as well as technology capital campaign. As of June 2017, the Chick-fil-A Foundation no longer supports this organization.
LOCAL GIVING IN ATLANTA
In addition to giving to youth and education programs nationwide, the Chick-fil-A Foundation also gives back in its hometown of Atlanta each year—especially to nonprofit organizations serving Atlanta’s Westside. For example, the Chick-fil-A Foundation donated approximately $1 million to City of Refuge, a nonprofit that seeks to eradicate poverty and be a driving force in social transformation, providing people of all walks of life with shelter, food, education, job training, youth development opportunities and more. The Chick-fil-A Foundation also donated $500,000 to fund a new YMCA on Atlanta’s Westside.
