Tag: 3BL

Global power technology leader Cummins Inc. and Chevron U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation, have announced a memorandum of understanding to leverage complementary positioning in hydrogen, natural gas and other lower carbon fuel value chains.

The announcement expands the two companies’ previous strategic collaboration on hydrogen and renewable natural gas and is expected to encompass other liquid renewable fuels, such as renewable gasoline blends, biodiesel and renewable diesel. This collaboration is intended to encourage commercial and industrial adoption in North America.

“At Cummins, we are working to bring our Destination Zero strategy to life, and we recognize we can’t do this alone,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Cummins’ Chair and CEO. “Through Accelera by Cummins we have leading zero-emissions technologies for commercial and industrial applications, and we continue to offer a broad portfolio of engine-based solutions that reduce greenhouse gas and other emissions today.”

“By collaborating strategically with Chevron, we plan to improve access to fuel and infrastructure for our customers, helping grow the availability of alternative and renewable fuels while reducing emissions,” Rumsey added.

Chevron President of Americas Products Andy Walz said achieving a lower carbon future will require ambitious innovations.

“Collaborations like this one with Cummins are intended to make energy and global supply chains more affordable and reliable while helping commercial fleets who use our products and Cummins’ equipment to advance a lower carbon world,” Walz said. “No one company or industry can go at it alone – together with Cummins, we aim to deliver progress today.”

Cummins and Chevron each have contributed to the research, development and global deployment of alternative fuels innovation, systems and technologies and will work together on enabling the commercial development at scale of alternative fuels production, transportation and delivery systems for industrial and commercial markets.

Workstreams in the new collaboration will focus on hydrogen, natural gas, and other alternative lower carbon intensity fuels such as renewable gasoline blends, biodiesel, renewable diesel, compressed natural gas, and other liquid renewables to expand commercial adoption.

Originally published by Ericsson

Caroline Berns

Welcome to the latest edition of our Diversity & Inclusion News Round Up. Today we are talking about A/B testing D&I initiatives, hustle culture, disability inclusion in the workplace, and a new campaign from Dove.

Diversity 
Great HBR article sharing how companies can benefit from A/B testing their D&I initiatives – proudly featuring a case study from Ericsson!

Work life 
Insightful article about the hustle culture – and how people now re-prioritise what they want out of work and life.

Disability in the workplace 
Disability rights advocate Tiffany Yu shares in this TED Talk how companies can make the workplace more inclusive for employees with disabilities. Worth watching!

Mental health 
Dove’s (Unilever) research shows that social media is harming the mental health of 3 in 5 children. The latest campaign “The Cost of Beauty” is bringing awareness to the impact of toxic social media content – watch the video.

About Ericsson 
Ericsson is one of the leading providers of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to service providers. We enable the full value of connectivity by creating game-changing technology and services that are easy to use, adopt, and scale, making our customers successful in a fully connected world.

Our comprehensive portfolio ranges across Networks, Digital Services, Managed Services and Emerging Business; powered by 5G and IoT platforms.

by Yan Tai

This summer, Cadence, an affordable senior living development located in Fort Collins, Colorado and comprising 55 senior living apartments, achieved a new first in the country — attaining Green Communities Plus and WELL Certification. Green Communities, created and administered by Enterprise Community Partners, is the leading sustainable building program designed specifically for affordable housing, while the WELL Building Standard (WELL), developed by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), is the world’s leading framework for creating and certifying spaces that advance human health and well-being. The “Plus” level of 2020 Green Communities is the highest certification tier, recognizing significant achievement for housings that meet all certification requirements and have invested in deep levels of energy efficiency.

In addition to the dual Green Communities Plus-WELL Certification, Cadence was also named a Zero Energy Ready project through a program offered by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Advancing health and sustainability through smart, integrative design

Cadence, built during the COVID-19 pandemic, made health and well-being top priorities. The building focused on indoor air quality by installing high-performance HVAC systems coupled with an airtight and insulated building envelop that, when necessary, help protect against harmful outdoor pollutants such as wildfire smoke. It also introduced other health strategies including interventions for moisture control, passive radon ventilation, and operable windows. The project’s health-first solutions don’t stop there, also including several biophilic designs and community-engagement strategies.

The development was also a leader in sustainability, adopting important interventions to help save energy and reduce utility bills. For example, the well-insulated building envelope is also a key strategy to reduce energy consumption. Because of a full-range of energy efficiency measures, the building is certified under ENERGY STAR and the Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home program, meaning Cadence is a high-performance building that is so energy-efficient that its renewable energy system could offset most or all the building’s annual energy use. Cadence also dramatically reduced its water consumption by 42.6% compared to the industry baseline—saving 1.2 million gallons of water per year.

“Through our partnership with Enterprise, affordable housing developments all across the country can attain dual certification under Green Communities Criteria and WELL, which helps ensure this critical sector has the opportunity to take the lead on both sustainability and health,” said Rachel Hodgdon, President and CEO, IWBI. “We congratulate Cadence for taking up this leadership challenge and being the first to achieve WELL Certification and Green Communities Plus, making it one of the country’s most exemplary projects working to pioneer places that foster well-being and advance both human and planetary health.”

How financial incentives helped Cadence

Volunteers for America, a non-profit organization that developed Cadence, financed the construction costs utilizing the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) with equity provided by Enterprise. Colorado is one of 35 states, in addition to the District of Columbia and New York City, whose LIHTC programs require or incentivize certifying to Enterprise Green Communities. Apartments at Cadence are reserved for seniors earning between 20% and 80% of the area median income.

What others are saying about Cadence’s leadership

VOA’s decision for Cadence to pursue certification under the 2020 Enterprise Green Communities criteria showcases a dedication to fostering a resilient community and supporting both human and climate health.

“We put the thought and care into making the design sustainable for the long term to ensure that the property is an asset for the (Cadence) community for the foreseeable future.”

-Brian Reilly, Development Director, Volunteers of America

“Resilient building is the only way to future-proof our communities against the effects of a changing climate. Cadence represents a deep commitment to sustainability: healthy, energy-efficient affordable homes that are responsive to resident, community, and environmental priorities.”

– Krista Egger, Vice President, Building Resilient Futures, Enterprise

Background on IWBI & Enterprise’s partnership

In 2019, IWBI and Enterprise formed a strategic partnership to create and implement a shared vision for affordable homes that improve residents’ health and well-being. By working collaboratively to integrate WELL features into the 2020 Green Communities Criteria, Enterprise and IWBI created a best-in-class certification pathway that provides affordable housing developers a flexible roadmap for achieving higher levels of health and well-being benefits that are rooted in the latest scientific evidence and best practices. Today, through the partnership, projects that are certified to Enterprise 2020 Green Communities Criteria are simultaneously certified under WELL, helping affordable housing developers to focus on ensuring affordable homes advance health outcomes while promoting environmental sustainability.

Since the launch of the 2020 Green Communities, Enterprise has been working with 20 affordable housing developments comprising more than 500 new and rehabilitated homes across 12 states and the District of Columbia to support early adopters of the new joint certification program.

In 2022, Thessalonica Court, a Bronx, NY-based apartment building that was rehabilitated by Jonathan Rose Companies, became the first to achieve the joint certification under Enterprise Green Communities and WELL. Cadence, one of the projects in this leadership cohort, is the second to achieve the joint certification, but the first to do so at the Enterprise Green Communities Plus certification level.

To learn more about Cadence, click here.

View original content here.

Nestled in the rugged landscapes of Dafang County lies Jinxing Elementary School. To outsiders, the path to this school may seem challenging, with children embarking on hours-long treks through hills and valleys in pursuit of education. However, beneath these challenges unfolds a captivating story of transformation, compassion, and the remarkable impact of Yum China’s flagship CSR initiative, the “One Yuan Donation” program.

Wang Wei, the principal of Jinxing Elementary School, has served as a beacon of hope for over a decade. He views the students as his own children, dedicating his days to their education and well-being. Yet, one concern weighed heavily on his heart – the students’ meals.

Upon his arrival, the school’s kitchen was far from adequate. It relied on a large iron pot and a wooden steamer, both powered by coal. The coal fires took hours to heat up, and the soot from burning coal posed problems for the kitchen staff. Consequently, the students’ packed lunches were often cold and unappetizing. Wang Wei could not bear to see these young minds eat cold meals and resolved to make a change.

His initial solution, using his tiny dorm room and a single electric stove, was far from ideal. Wang Wei knew a more sustainable solution was needed. In 2022, the “One Yuan Donation” program by Yum China reached Jinxing Elementary School, providing a valuable lifeline. This program allows customers in China to make small donations when placing their orders, directly funding the installation and maintenance of modern kitchen equipment in rural schools.

Wang Wei led efforts to secure this transformative project, collaborating with local authorities and meticulously preparing application documents. The day the equipment arrived was a testament to his dedication. Wang Wei, along with the school staff, eagerly awaited the installation team, their smiles reflecting the hope in their hearts. Neighboring villagers extended warm hospitality to the installation team, symbolizing a shared vision.

The benefits of modern kitchen equipment were threefold. It brought cost savings, reducing monthly fuel costs by up to 75% with the switch from coal to electricity. It saved time, with automation improvements reducing labor. And most importantly, it reduced environmental pollution, as electric power proved more hygienic and environmentally friendly.

The modern kitchen has transformed the school. Students no longer brought cold lunches from home; they enjoyed hearty, warm meals that lifted their spirits. While meal logistics became smoother, Wang Wei’s commitment remained unwavering. He ensured staff received the necessary training and implemented food safety protocols to ensure students’ well-being.

Wang Wei firmly believes in the link between nourishment and performance. Well-fed students were more attentive, leading to improved academic results. In rural regions, educators like Wang Wei serve as pillars of the community, nurturing the future generation. The “One Yuan Donation” program, empowered by compassion and conscientious supervision, promises lasting impact, ensuring growth and transformation for countless rural children.

The story of Jinxing Elementary School is one of resilience, collaboration, and compassion. The “One Yuan Donation” program exemplifies the profound change that collective effort can bring. As these young minds grow, we are reminded that even seemingly small acts of kindness can create waves of transformation.

Through the modern kitchen’s doors, a brighter future emerges. Nourishment and education intertwine and the journey to school becomes less daunting, helping improve communities to prosper and dreams to flourish.

Originally published on Built From Scratch

ATLANTA, August 28, 2023 /3BL/ – The Home Depot Foundation announced an incremental investment of more than $6 million in skilled trades training and launched new strategic partnerships to address the nearly 400,000 job openings across the construction industry. With these philanthropic grants, the Foundation’s Path to Pro program launched a brand new entrepreneurship program and will provide free, skilled trades training and scholarships for more veterans, military families, high school students and separating service members.

To serve aspiring entrepreneurs within the skilled trades industry, The Home Depot Foundation is partnering with Bunker Labs to introduce an entrepreneurship program designed to guide U.S. military veterans and military spouses through the process of establishing a successful business foundation. During the 8-week program, participants will gain industry-specific mentorship, learn about market segmentation, how to address specific customer profiles and design a business plan for launch. The program’s virtual offering makes it accessible to participants nationwide.

The Foundation is also expanding its Path to Pro scholarship program with grants to SkillPointe Foundation, its partner since 2021, and through a new partnership with Folds of Honor. Military scholarships through Folds of Honor extend financial support to qualifying veterans and military family members entering or enrolled in accredited skilled trade schools.

“We’re expanding our current training programs and creating new avenues to steadily fill the country’s skilled labor gap with in-demand talent,” said The Home Depot Foundation’s executive director, Shannon Gerber. “Diversifying our approach with additional entrepreneurship and scholarship programs helps ensure we’re reaching more communities with free training opportunities and creating sustainable change for the industry.”

The Home Depot Foundation extended its grant to long-time partner Home Builders Institute to broaden its Path to Pro high school and military programs. The two organizations will continue to provide no-cost PACT curriculum certification for more than 1,200 separating military members annually, 11th and 12th grade students and Title 1 schools nationwide.

The Home Depot Foundation’s skilled trades training program, Path to Pro, launched in 2018 with a $50 million commitment to train the next generation of skilled tradespeople, diversify the trades industry, and address the growing labor shortage in the U.S. The Foundation’s trades-focused partnerships have introduced more than 200,000 people to the skilled trades and have trained more than 41,000 participants through programming available to youth, high school students, underserved communities and separating U.S. military.

Beyond the Foundation’s work in this area, The Home Depot’s Path to Pro Network connects skilled tradespeople to professional contractors and job openings. The Path to Pro Network has introduced more than 12,000 jobseekers to millions of The Home Depot’s Pro customers nationwide and has provided exclusive access to more than 2,200 jobs. For more information and to find skilled trades resources available in English and Spanish, visit PathtoPro.com.

Originally published on TriplePundit

As a multinational producer of agricultural machinery and construction equipment with dozens of manufacturing and research facilities worldwide, CNH Industrial recognizes that the opportunity to reduce its carbon footprint is substantial. With that in mind, the company has mounted a highly ambitious effort to decrease the carbon emissions associated with its manufacturing processes and products.

It’s an effort that is making significant progress, according to the company’s 2022 sustainability report, which shows that CNH Industrial has reduced emissions KPI by 31 percent since 2018 and now derives 60 percent of the electricity it uses from renewable energy sources.

“Our goal is to lower our carbon footprint by 2030, to reduce CO2 emissions per production hour of our plants worldwide by 50 percent compared to 2018, and to achieve 90 percent of total electricity consumption from renewable sources,” Maria Francesca Drago, CNH Industrial’s energy manager, told TriplePundit.

Part of this effort centers on installing solar panels at the company’s manufacturing sites around the world. Solar installations came online at five sites in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, India and Mexico between 2020 and 2021. Nine plants will have solar installations operational by 2024, with plans to power all plants with 100 percent renewable energy by 2030 and install photovoltaic systems on the majority of plants by 2040.

The company’s strategy utilizes existing infrastructure (roofs) to help generate renewable energy, coupled with innovative installations like solar smart flowers. And its journey offers a lesson for other businesses looking to navigate the nuances of onsite solar in order to reduce their footprints.

Onsite solar isn’t easy, but it offers real benefits for employee engagement 

Coordinating this effort across a wide variety of jurisdictions brings a particular set of challenges, Drago said.

The first thing multinational companies like CNH Industrial must do is analyze the national and local laws relevant to each of their sites in order to ensure compliance. For example, India puts a cap on the maximum area covered by solar energy systems, and some states in the U.S. require solar ground installations to be enclosed. Companies also need to know if government grants or subsidies for solar installations are available.

But the biggest challenge — and the greatest opportunity — is involving global employees in these changes, Drago said.

“CNH Industrial has been looking at renewable energy for many years now. We set ambitious targets because we strongly believe we have to adopt a responsible approach based on the contribution of each employee,” she explained. “The real result comes if all of us trust in our capabilities to make the change.”

Onsite solar projects contribute to increase participation and awareness in the low-carbon transition among local employees, raising their sense of belonging to the company, Drago said. Employees at a CNH Industrial plant in India, for example, started asking for information about how to get solar panels for their homes.

The company also tries to demonstrate the impact of onsite solar by helping employees benefit directly. For example, employees at the company’s plant in Zedelgem, Belgium, can recharge their electric bikes from power generated by onsite solar smart flowers. Inspired by sunflowers, these free-standing arrays offer an alternative at plants where rooftop solar is less feasible. Although smaller, their ability to track and capture the sun’s rays via petal-shaped panels results in 40 percent more energy output for their size.

The role of onsite solar in the low-carbon transition 

Bringing more clean power online while using less land is among the core benefits of onsite solar at corporate plants, said Alex Perera, deputy director of the World Resources Institute’s energy program and its corporate partnership lead for energy.

“You’re putting solar on an existing warehouse or existing roof,” Perera explained. “You’re not putting it on land, which can be difficult to site because of competing uses for that land,” such as agriculture and housing.

Further, placing power generation where it’s needed reduces what’s known in the energy sector as load pockets — or areas where local demand for energy exceeds the capacity of energy transmission infrastructure during peak times.

“New York City is a classic example of a load pocket. There’s just not enough transmission into New York City to meet all the demand,” Perera said. “Putting solar in those areas can relieve congestion.”

Beyond onsite solar: Small shifts to reduce corporate carbon footprints

Concurrent with its move toward onsite solar, CNH Industrial has a multi-year plan to scale the use of intelligent LED lighting technology to 21 plants worldwide. This smart management system includes motion sensors, dimmers and timers, which will generate up to 30 percent more energy savings than the LED technology already in place at most CNH Industrial plants, according to the company.

CNH Industrial’s decarbonization strategy also includes a shift toward a more environmentally-friendly product portfolio, including a tractor that runs on bio-methane that can be extracted from organic waste produced on farms in a closed-loop system.

Companies have a major role in scaling solar energy worldwide

Average annual investment in solar solutions needs to double from 2021 through 2030 if the world is to achieve the goals set out in the Paris climate agreement, according to 2022 research from the World Resource Institute.

“We need to raise the awareness of companies to move toward the sustainability goals so that everyone reduces their carbon footprint for the future of the next generations,” Drago said.

Indeed, these efforts will be “mission-critical,” both for businesses and the environment, in the years to come, added Perera of WRI.

“Companies will not be able to exist unless they align their business interests with climate and development objectives,” he said. “It’s becoming so strategic for companies to do this because investor pressure and consumer pressure is really mounting on companies to move in this direction. The companies that are embracing this, taking leadership positions, and trying to get out in front are going to set themselves up for success in the future.”

This article series is sponsored by CNH Industrial and produced by the TriplePundit editorial team.

Image courtesy of CNH Industrial 

Originally published on TriplePundit

As a multinational producer of agricultural machinery and construction equipment with dozens of manufacturing and research facilities worldwide, CNH Industrial recognizes that the opportunity to reduce its carbon footprint is substantial. With that in mind, the company has mounted a highly ambitious effort to decrease the carbon emissions associated with its manufacturing processes and products.

It’s an effort that is making significant progress, according to the company’s 2022 sustainability report, which shows that CNH Industrial has reduced emissions KPI by 31 percent since 2018 and now derives 60 percent of the electricity it uses from renewable energy sources.

“Our goal is to lower our carbon footprint by 2030, to reduce CO2 emissions per production hour of our plants worldwide by 50 percent compared to 2018, and to achieve 90 percent of total electricity consumption from renewable sources,” Maria Francesca Drago, CNH Industrial’s energy manager, told TriplePundit.

Part of this effort centers on installing solar panels at the company’s manufacturing sites around the world. Solar installations came online at five sites in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, India and Mexico between 2020 and 2021. Nine plants will have solar installations operational by 2024, with plans to power all plants with 100 percent renewable energy by 2030 and install photovoltaic systems on the majority of plants by 2040.

The company’s strategy utilizes existing infrastructure (roofs) to help generate renewable energy, coupled with innovative installations like solar smart flowers. And its journey offers a lesson for other businesses looking to navigate the nuances of onsite solar in order to reduce their footprints.

Onsite solar isn’t easy, but it offers real benefits for employee engagement 

Coordinating this effort across a wide variety of jurisdictions brings a particular set of challenges, Drago said.

The first thing multinational companies like CNH Industrial must do is analyze the national and local laws relevant to each of their sites in order to ensure compliance. For example, India puts a cap on the maximum area covered by solar energy systems, and some states in the U.S. require solar ground installations to be enclosed. Companies also need to know if government grants or subsidies for solar installations are available.

But the biggest challenge — and the greatest opportunity — is involving global employees in these changes, Drago said.

“CNH Industrial has been looking at renewable energy for many years now. We set ambitious targets because we strongly believe we have to adopt a responsible approach based on the contribution of each employee,” she explained. “The real result comes if all of us trust in our capabilities to make the change.”

Onsite solar projects contribute to increase participation and awareness in the low-carbon transition among local employees, raising their sense of belonging to the company, Drago said. Employees at a CNH Industrial plant in India, for example, started asking for information about how to get solar panels for their homes.

The company also tries to demonstrate the impact of onsite solar by helping employees benefit directly. For example, employees at the company’s plant in Zedelgem, Belgium, can recharge their electric bikes from power generated by onsite solar smart flowers. Inspired by sunflowers, these free-standing arrays offer an alternative at plants where rooftop solar is less feasible. Although smaller, their ability to track and capture the sun’s rays via petal-shaped panels results in 40 percent more energy output for their size.

The role of onsite solar in the low-carbon transition 

Bringing more clean power online while using less land is among the core benefits of onsite solar at corporate plants, said Alex Perera, deputy director of the World Resources Institute’s energy program and its corporate partnership lead for energy.

“You’re putting solar on an existing warehouse or existing roof,” Perera explained. “You’re not putting it on land, which can be difficult to site because of competing uses for that land,” such as agriculture and housing.

Further, placing power generation where it’s needed reduces what’s known in the energy sector as load pockets — or areas where local demand for energy exceeds the capacity of energy transmission infrastructure during peak times.

“New York City is a classic example of a load pocket. There’s just not enough transmission into New York City to meet all the demand,” Perera said. “Putting solar in those areas can relieve congestion.”

Beyond onsite solar: Small shifts to reduce corporate carbon footprints

Concurrent with its move toward onsite solar, CNH Industrial has a multi-year plan to scale the use of intelligent LED lighting technology to 21 plants worldwide. This smart management system includes motion sensors, dimmers and timers, which will generate up to 30 percent more energy savings than the LED technology already in place at most CNH Industrial plants, according to the company.

CNH Industrial’s decarbonization strategy also includes a shift toward a more environmentally-friendly product portfolio, including a tractor that runs on bio-methane that can be extracted from organic waste produced on farms in a closed-loop system.

Companies have a major role in scaling solar energy worldwide

Average annual investment in solar solutions needs to double from 2021 through 2030 if the world is to achieve the goals set out in the Paris climate agreement, according to 2022 research from the World Resource Institute.

“We need to raise the awareness of companies to move toward the sustainability goals so that everyone reduces their carbon footprint for the future of the next generations,” Drago said.

Indeed, these efforts will be “mission-critical,” both for businesses and the environment, in the years to come, added Perera of WRI.

“Companies will not be able to exist unless they align their business interests with climate and development objectives,” he said. “It’s becoming so strategic for companies to do this because investor pressure and consumer pressure is really mounting on companies to move in this direction. The companies that are embracing this, taking leadership positions, and trying to get out in front are going to set themselves up for success in the future.”

This article series is sponsored by CNH Industrial and produced by the TriplePundit editorial team.

Image courtesy of CNH Industrial 

Learn how Vanguard Renewables converts organic waste into renewable energy providing a valuable asset to people and the planet and supporting decarbonization strategies.

Every day, we set out to change the way the world views waste and how each of us powers our lives. We are committed to reducing on-farm and food-generated greenhouse gas emissions from waste by as much as 95 percent and recycling organic waste into a powerful source of renewable energy and low-carbon fertilizer. We work alongside farms to manage manure, enhance regenerative agriculture practices, improve soil health, protect watersheds, and support herd wellness. Our Farm Powered Strategic Alliance with major food manufacturers and retailers, dairy organizations, and farms provides a path to decarbonization for our partners and a measurable impact in combating climate change.

Vanguard Renewables Farm Powered Anaerobic Digestion facilities are the largest organics recycling destination in the Northeast, and we’re growing nationwide.

Learn more: https://vanguardrenewables.com/

Learn how Vanguard Renewables converts organic waste into renewable energy providing a valuable asset to people and the planet and supporting decarbonization strategies.

Every day, we set out to change the way the world views waste and how each of us powers our lives. We are committed to reducing on-farm and food-generated greenhouse gas emissions from waste by as much as 95 percent and recycling organic waste into a powerful source of renewable energy and low-carbon fertilizer. We work alongside farms to manage manure, enhance regenerative agriculture practices, improve soil health, protect watersheds, and support herd wellness. Our Farm Powered Strategic Alliance with major food manufacturers and retailers, dairy organizations, and farms provides a path to decarbonization for our partners and a measurable impact in combating climate change.

Vanguard Renewables Farm Powered Anaerobic Digestion facilities are the largest organics recycling destination in the Northeast, and we’re growing nationwide.

Learn more: https://vanguardrenewables.com/

NEW YORK, August 28, 2023 /3BL/ – Comcast NBCUniversal and NBCUniversal Local, a division of NBCUniversal that includes NBC/Telemundo owned stations, announced that 81 nonprofits will receive a combined total of $2.475 million in unrestricted grants to support nonprofit organizations that are helping to improve their local communities with unique and innovative programming in three grant categories including Next Generation Storytellers, Youth Education & Empowerment, and Community Engagement.

The winners include nonprofits that serve individuals in the New York, Southern California, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas-Fort Worth, Boston, Hartford, CT, Washington, D.C., South Florida, San Francisco Bay Area and San Diego DMAs. For a full list of grant winners, please visit NBCUniversal’s Newsroom or click here.

“It’s important that we fund organizations making a significant impact to our local communities and the people that reside within them,” said Jessica Clancy, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at NBCUniversal.

This year’s Local Impact Grants are putting the power of giving into the hands of these nonprofits to address the diverse needs of the communities they serve in the areas of youth education and empowerment, the next generation of storytellers, and community engagement.

JESSICA CLANCY

Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at NBCUniversal

Since this NBCU grant program was founded six years ago, more than $16 million in grants has been dedicated to 470 nonprofits in 11 communities that are served by NBC and Telemundo owned stations.

Unrestricted grant funding provides an important source of financial flexibility for nonprofits, that in turn, helps to unlock their full potential for creating lasting impact in their communities.

VALARI STAAB

Chairman, NBCUniversal Local

“I’m pleased that our grant program and NBC and Telemundo owned stations can support organizations that are doing incredible work to create opportunities for youth, families and individuals,” said Valari Staab, Chairman, NBCUniversal Local.

Below is a snapshot of 2023 NBCUniversal Local Impact Grant recipients, by market:

New York: Hillside Food Outreach

Hillside Food Outreach delivers high-quality, nutritious food that will help low-income, chronically ill, disabled individuals and those who cannot access a traditional food pantry to achieve a better quality of life. Hillside home delivers healthy groceries, at no cost, to all those in need, regardless of race, gender, age, national origin, religion and creed.

Southern California: Kids In The Spotlight

Kids In The Spotlight helps youth heal and grow from trauma through the power of storytelling and filmmaking. Through the group’s programs, youth between the ages of 12-24 are trained to write, cast and star in their own short films, telling their stories their way. To date, more than 80 films have been produced and screened at film festivals around the country.

Chicago: Dion’s Dream

Dion’s Chicago Dream identifies and combats food insecurity throughout the Chicagoland area, using nutritional philanthropy as a catalyst to build community and transform lives.

Philadelphia: Rock To The Future

Rock to the Future supports positive youth development and economic empowerment through free, student-driven music programs for Philadelphia youth. Through music, students build skills to unlock their fullest potential to support lifelong well-being. The group serves hundreds of students annually in-school, after school, and during the summer in schools, community locations, and juvenile justice facilities.

Dallas-Fort Worth: GEMS Camp

Founded by an educator to help close the gender and racial gap in STEM studies and careers, GEMS Camp provides Black and Latina girls from North Texas from economically disadvantaged communities with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education focused around five key areas including Academics, Career, Creativity, Leadership, and Service to help them succeed in STEM-related studies and careers.

Boston: Mental Health Collaborative, Inc.

Mental Health Collaborative helps to build resilient communities through mental health education including mental health literacy trainings to schools, organizations, and communities.

Hartford, CT: Children in Placement

Children in Placement Connecticut advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children and secures safe homes, supportive services, and a stable transition into adulthood by assessing and supporting each child’s situation.

Washington, D.C.: Mary House

For more than 40 years, Mary House has provided transitional housing, case-management, and educational services for low-income immigrants and refugees in Washington’s Brookland neighborhood. Currently operating 55 housing units and seeking to add a further 12 units this year, Mary House provides a stable and nurturing environment for more than 280 homeless and war displaced individuals and creates customized support programs aimed at building each family’s independence and self-sufficiency.

South Florida: EatWell Exchange

Founded by three friends who wanted to change the perception of healthy meals by focusing on culture, EatWell Exchange empowers lower socioeconomic communities with the access, knowledge, and confidence they need to eat a nutritious diet within their own food culture to end the generational cycle of negative health outcomes.

San Francisco Bay Area: El Tímpano

Spanish for “eardrum,” El Tímpano surfaces community members’ stories and questions on local and national issues. Stewarded and empowered independent by Independent Arts & Media, El Tímpano helps to foster community and civic participation, and facilitate cultural engagement and free expression.

San Diego: Arms Wide Open

Arms Wide Open, the largest music, theatre and arts program in San Diego for individuals with special needs and disabilities, enriches the lives of children and adults with special needs by fostering caring social environments and creating opportunities for recreation and participation in the arts.

For more information, visit LocalImpactGrants.com. For information in Spanish, visit BecasdeImpactoLocal.com.

Follow on social @NBCUFoundation and #LocalImpactGrants.