Month: March 2024

Originally published on FRCF

First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF), a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization providing programs and services to first responder families of U.S. State and Federal first responders, which includes firefighters, police officers, paramedics, EMTs, corrections officers, and 911 dispatchers announces the opening of its Scholarship Program from now through May 31, 2024. The program awards scholarships to children of first responders who are pursuing post-secondary education at college, trade school or post-graduate programs.

The Scholarship Program, now in its 22nd year, provides financial assistance to children whose parent serves or has served as a first responder. The deadline for applications is May 31, 2024. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic merit and achievements such as demonstrated leadership and volunteer activities benefiting the community. Priority is given to applicants who have lost a parent or whose parent has been injured in the line of duty, as well as applicants pursuing a career in service to their communities. For the 2023/2024 academic year, FRCF awarded 415 scholarships totaling over $1 million.

The FRCF Scholarship Program is more than financial aid. Each recipient is welcomed into the FRCF Scholars Council, a group of peers connected to a broader supportive network of mentors and partner organizations. The council also offers access to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach, empowering recipients to pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to society. 

“Every day we hear about first responders running into danger to protect all of us.  The families of these brave heroes deserve our support, and we owe it to them to provide scholarships so that their children can reach their full potential,” said Jillian Crane, President and CEO of First Responders Children’s Foundation. “Their parents have chosen a dangerous profession and while they are heroes to us, they are also a child’s mother or father.  Please join FRCF and our valued partners and step up to be a hero for our heroes.” 

Scholarships will be awarded for an academic year and may be renewed annually for up to four years.

FRCF acknowledges valued partners who have made the Scholarship Program possible, including Ahlsten Foundation, CSX, Devon Energy, Ford’s Garage, Home Clean Heroes, The Kay Family Foundation, Lamborghini Club of Dallas, Louis Vuitton, Niagara Cares, MacKenzie Scott, Motorola Solutions Foundation, Patrick Cantlay, PwC Charitable Foundation, REP Fitness, The Rosewood Foundation, Scooter Braun, SERVPRO, Smiling Rocks, T-Mobile, TIAA, Universal Music Group Nashville, and Verizon, with memorial scholarships in honor of Luis Alvarez, Vincent Bennet, Jr., Victoria Ovis and Bryan Payne.

Media Contact:
Joanna Black
646-912-2681
joanna@1stRCF.org

The 5th Annual Global Volunteer Month, from April 1 – 30, 2024, is a time to recognize volunteers and people who actively support their communities through volunteerism and civic engagement. With volunteerism on the decline in the U.S. and varying rates of participation globally, Points of Light is proud to partner with Phillips 66 to shine a spotlight on how companies can lead the way in reversing the trend.

As a living example of what social impact can look like, Phillip 66 offers Good Energy, an employee volunteerism program designed to inspire their employees to connect with neighbors and share compassion, talents and hard work to improve our communities. Through volunteerism, this initiative seeks to create community connections that inspire action, identify solutions to society’s greatest challenges and improve lives.

“Supporting the communities where Phillips 66 operates is embedded into the company culture, and we’re proud to be the lead sponsor of Global Volunteer Month. During our Good Energy Month last year, our employees volunteered over 13,000 hours, which resulted in more than $300,000 in grants back to local communities. We are engaged in philanthropic efforts during Global Volunteer Month and year-round because the benefits of volunteering reach far and wide.” — Courtney Meadows, social impact manager, Phillips 66

Employees are five times more engaged in companies with employee volunteer programs, yet just 47% of U.S. companies offered community volunteer pro­grams in 2022. Add to that a recent report that shows only 23% of Americans formally volunteered with an organization compared to New Zealand at 42%, Norway at 40% and Canada at 38%. The U.S. is currently seeing the lowest percentage of volunteering since tracking began in the early 2000s. However, the research is clear: volunteering is an antidote to loneliness and has the power to connect individuals. In fact, 80% of employees see group volunteering as a means of strengthening relationships with coworkers.

“As we celebrate Global Volunteer Month, we recognize the power of people who work tirelessly in communities around the world to create social change. Volunteering and service is a pathway to strengthening communities, combatting loneliness and building bridges for stronger civic society. Points of Light believes every person has the opportunity to make a meaningful difference.” —Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, Points of Light

Phillips 66, supporting sponsor UPS and nearly 200 organization partners of Global Volunteer Month Program Champions and Heroes will be celebrating in many ways during April around the world.

Phillips 66 employees Chad LeMarr and Tyler McDevitt, and UPS employee Greg Schneider, work in the corporate world by day, and in their free time, support their communities through volunteering. Schneider, Daily Point of Light honoree #7261, founded Operation Ramp It Up and is the 2022 UPS Jim Casey Community Service Award Winner. LeMarr, Daily Point of Light honoree #7782, volunteers with the Brighton Betsey Ann Fire Protection District. McDevitt, honoree #7016, supports Camp Kesem.

To learn more about Global Volunteer Month, visit pointsoflight.org/gvm.

About Points of Light 

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million people in 16.7 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. For more information, visit pointsoflight.org.

About Phillips 66 

Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The diversified energy company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com and follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn and Twitter.