Gone are the days when corporate philanthropy was seen as merely a charitable arm with sporadic donations. In traditional Midwest fashion, Omaha leans into philanthropy. In fact, it’s a core value.
Today, Omaha businesses like JE Dunn Construction are aligning their philanthropic efforts with their core values and long-term goals. This shift towards strategic philanthropy ensures that giving is not only impactful but also reflects the company’s mission and brand identity.
Businesses are also weaving social responsibility into the very fabric of their operations. This integration goes beyond the occasional volunteering event or donation drive – it involves embedding ethical practices into every aspect of business, from supply chain management to employee engagement.
One such example is JE Dunn’s 1-to-1 Employee Match Program, which helps employees give back.
“Annually, JE Dunn employees serve an average of 50,000 volunteer hours, with organizations like Boys Town, American Heart Association and Habitat for Humanity here in Omaha,” said Blair Gilkyson, client solutions representative and Omaha community ambassador. “Locally, JE Dunn has supported over 100 nonprofits in Omaha.”
Marking its centennial year in 2024, JE Dunn set out on a mission to further spread its philanthropic reach as employees selected 10 charitable organizations to each receive a gift of $100,000 to empower their work in the community.
“Through our campaign, Building a Legacy: A Century of Generosity, we’re extending JE Dunn’s community impact and celebrating the employees and communities that have been foundational to our success and longevity as a company,” Gilkyson said. “Each office was given the opportunity to nominate local organizations, and all employees voted on the 10 to receive the donation.”
In June, the Omaha office presented Boys Town National Research Hospital with a $100,000 gift.
Read more in the Midlands Business Journal how Omaha companies like JE Dunn are adopting new best practices in corporate giving and philanthropy.
