JE Dunn’s commitment to giving back and serving others can be traced to our very origin. John Ernest Dunn (Ernie), founder of JE Dunn, established a culture of giving within the company long before our cranes reached skyward. Today, JE Dunn’s Community Impact team continues this legacy by investing in local communities and empowering our employees to make a meaningful impact.
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In 2024, Atlanta had a remarkably active year, partnering with 30 nonprofits and raising $300,000 through various fundraising efforts, including the annual Hammer Down Race benefiting Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, For The Hope Partnership, and the Orange Duffel Bag Initiative. The office also engaged with new organizations like the Georgia Center for Employee Ownership and Autism Speaks, and celebrated the 20th anniversary of SPIKE Studio, where Lee Jarboe, Vice President and Senior Client Solutions Director, received the Founders Award for her two decades of dedicated service. These activities underscore our ongoing commitment to making a lasting impact and expanding community outreach.
In 2024, Austin continued its community service by enhancing its partnership with the Mary Lee Foundation through landscaping and renovations, and leading a multi-day Habitat for Humanity build. The office also hosted school supply drives, supported the Central Texas Food Bank, and provided internships for high school students in collaboration with local organizations. To celebrate JE Dunn’s Centennial and National Volunteer Week, the team assembled care packages for refugees and individuals experiencing homelessness, benefiting local nonprofits such as Casa Marianella, Caritas of Austin, Manos de Cristo, and At the Well Ministry.
Charleston’s small but dedicated team is deeply involved in the community, with many employees volunteering and serving on various boards. This year, they supported nine organizations, including Charleston Promise Neighborhood, Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Operation Home, First Tee, Lowcountry Food Bank, and MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. They adopted a neighborhood blessing box, hosting drives to fill it with essentials, and collected toys for children at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in honor of an employee’s child, reflecting their commitment to making a positive impact.
The Charlotte office celebrated its 35th anniversary with a record year, supporting over two dozen nonprofits through $250,000 in donations, 600 volunteer hours, and eight board seats filled by team members. Highlights included the inaugural Kenny Sommerkamp Charity Poker Night, raising $70,000 for Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital, and a $100,000 Building a Legacy grant to Beds for Kids for a delivery truck. The team served over 1,000 meals to people experiencing homelessness through Roof Above and Dilworth Soup Kitchen, provided immediate relief after Hurricane Helene, and raised nearly $15,000 for McLeod Centers for Wellbeing through a winter supplies raffle.
The Denver and Colorado Springs offices ended the year on a high note, with the Moment Connection Group raising over $2,000 for the Construction Education Foundation. The offices celebrated a successful United Way campaign, assembling 400 health kits for Denver’s homeless community and hosting a fun chili cook-off. The standout moment was awarding a $100,000 Building a Legacy centennial grant to Colorado Youth Outdoors during National Volunteer Week, reinforcing their commitment to building stronger communities.
For over 27 years, Dallas has been building a legacy in the DFW market. This year, we supported 10 nonprofits through donations and volunteerism, contributing to the communities we serve. We celebrated with Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, a local nonprofit that was selected to receive one of the ten Building a Legacy grants. Employees volunteered at The Stewpot, serving breakfast to the unhoused population at The Bridge Homeless Recovery Center, built a canned food structure for Canstruction benefiting the North Texas Food Bank, participated in the Form Follows Fitness 5K benefiting the Architecture and Design Foundation, and engaged in the TEXO Build Texas Proud Expo, inspiring over 1,100 high school students to explore careers in construction. Additionally, we dedicated over 52 hours volunteering at Bonton Farms, assembled 50 backpacks filled with school supplies for the Genesis Women’s Shelter, and fundraised for the American Heart Association, United Way, and Operation Kindness Animal Shelter. Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to making a meaningful impact in our community.
The Denver and Colorado Springs offices ended the year on a high note, with the Moment Connection Group raising over $2,000 for the Construction Education Foundation. The offices celebrated a successful United Way campaign, assembling 400 health kits for Denver’s homeless community and hosting a fun chili cook-off. The standout moment was awarding a $100,000 Building a Legacy centennial grant to Colorado Youth Outdoors during National Volunteer Week, reinforcing their commitment to building stronger communities.
In 2024, the Des Moines and Iowa City office teams significantly impacted their communities through various initiatives, including the annual Bowl-a-Thon for after-school programs, the King/Irving Neighborhood Trunk or Treat event, and the AHA CycleNation fundraiser and Heart Walk. The Des Moines team helped low-income residents with home repairs during ReBuilding Together’s annual workday, while the Iowa City team hosted the second IA City Golf Tournament to support construction trades. They also participated in the Near Northside Neighborhood Night Out, providing free backpacks, toiletries, haircuts, dinner, and activities for kids. Their commitment to community service extended beyond donations, fostering meaningful connections and making a tangible difference in the lives of those around them.
The fantastic efforts our team has made to give back to the many communities across North Dakota is something to celebrate. Whether building lemonade stands with local youth, cleaning up our roads, or welcoming college freshmen to their new university, we have truly made a positive impact. One of the most inspiring moments was when we partnered with Make-A-Wish for their largest annual event in North Dakota. It was heartwarming to see so many people come together for such a worthy cause. Additionally, our sponsorship of a program that pairs students with students with disabilities has been incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing to see friendships and connections being formed. We are incredibly proud to be part of this small but mighty team. Our big hearts and passion for the communities we work within make all the difference.
In 2024, Houston showcased its commitment to community service through various initiatives, including yardwork and fence repairs at SEARCH’s House of Tiny Treasures, a charity golf tournament, and constructing storage closets at Nora’s Home. They organized a school supply drive, participated in a Christmas tree decorating contest at Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Houston, and engaged in educational initiatives like #SHEbuildsHouston. The team also joined the 2024 American Heart Association’s Houston Heart Walk, reflecting their dedication to addressing critical needs and empowering communities in the Houston area.
JE Dunn’s legacy of generosity began right here in our hometown of Kansas City. In 2024, employees once again demonstrated their commitment to giving back and serving others. Departments teamed up to volunteer with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Sleepyhead Beds, and Junior Achievement. The volunteer program, Build It Forward, provided light construction support for 10 nonprofits, from painting walls to installing sensory gym equipment. A floor-to-ceiling remodel of a Kansas City Public Schools teachers’ lounge was completed during spring break in partnership with HGTV “Design Star” and winner Jennifer Bertrand, nonprofit PrincipalsConnect, and multiple JE Dunn trade partners. Two Centennial grants were awarded, one as a surprise celebration and volunteer event with Kanbe’s Markets, and one as a project install of the Riverfront Boulder @ Berkley park on Kansas City’s riverfront. And, we cannot forget the puppies, who joined seven nonprofit partners in featuring their social enterprises at the first-ever Holiday Mart. Thus begins the next century of generosity!
In 2024, the Minneapolis office continued their long-term partnership with NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center, serving at Free Fresh Food Fridays to distribute produce to the community — now the team’s favorite volunteer opportunity. Our NorthPoint partners count on JE Dunn to be there, saying, “We are excited and fortunate that JE Dunn is a great partner.” Through NorthPoint, the team connected with the Legacy Family Foundation, which provides free books to the community, and a JE Dunn employee now serves on the foundation’s board of directors. For Black History Month, BUiLD members engaged with Hospitality House Youth Development, an organization that supports inner-city youth and their families. The team has built communitywide connections that have led to other opportunities all just a few minutes away from the office!
The Nashville office really took the theme of “Building a Legacy: A Century of Generosity” and ran with it for our 100th year. Our office helped choose Our Kids, a nonprofit that we have supported since 2011, as the first recipient of a Building a Legacy grant. Through our 10th annual Hammer Down Race, we had our highest year of fundraising for Our Kids that provided them with an additional $234,950 to their cause. In addition, the Nashville office also supported the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee with events like our third Construction Industry Club, a five-week program for high school students where they learn the ins and outs of the construction industry, and our annual toy drive, where we provided over $10,000 in gifts to approximately 75 kids for the holidays. Our office wrapped up the year with a packing drive for The Sacred Transition, where we raised approximately $20,000 and packed 50 bags for people and their loved ones going through cancer treatments.
In 2024, our Oklahoma team, with offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, demonstrated a strong commitment to community service through various initiatives. In Oklahoma City, they partnered with the Oklahoma City Zoo, volunteered at OU Health Children’s Hospital, and collaborated with Big Brothers Big Sisters. In Tulsa, they sponsored the Kid’s Zone at the Tulsa Juneteenth Festival and organized a float for the Fiestas de las Americas Parade. During National Volunteer Week, employees from both cities cleaned local parks and gardens, and participated in the Angel Tree program. Collectively, the team logged over 480 volunteer hours, showcasing their dedication to building stronger communities.
In 2024, Omaha employees engaged with causes they are passionate about, resulting in donations of time, talents, and resources to several new organizations, including Access Period, the Barrientos Scholarship Foundation, Lutheran Family Services, the Kim Foundation, the Crown Academy, Casa de la Cultura, and Girls Inc. of Omaha. A highlight was delivering a surprise Building a Legacy grant to Boys Town National Research Hospital, a valued repeat client, as part of the Centennial grants, showcasing the office’s commitment to supporting impactful missions.
In 2024, Phoenix showcased its commitment to community service through partnerships and volunteer efforts, supporting organizations like The Salvation Army, Packages from Home, Phoenix Rescue Mission, Chrysalis, Boys & Girls Club, Make-a-Wish Arizona, NOURISH Phoenix, and St. Vincent de Paul. Employees engaged in activities such as packing supplies for soldiers, working in community gardens, and supporting local shelters, reflecting the office’s culture of compassion and teamwork. Driven by all-hands initiatives, Peer Groups, ERGs, and Jobsite Teams, these efforts strengthened bonds within the team and the community, reinforcing the Southwest office’s dedication to creating lasting, positive change.
In 2024, Portland strengthened existing partnerships and formed new ones with organizations dedicated to supporting under-resourced community members. These efforts focused on providing skills training and education, essential resources for children and families, and construction services for those in need. Our largest fundraising effort, the Making Links Golf Tournament, raised $40,000 for Oregon Tradeswomen, an organization committed to ensuring access, opportunity, and equity for women in the skilled construction trades. In addition to dollars raised, we have seen an increase of time donated by our employees. The passion that our employees have for giving back to the community continues to grow, and we are proud of the positive impact they have made in the Northwest.
Despite having fewer than 10 team members regularly in office, the Raleigh team made a significant impact in 2024 by raising $7,725 for the American Heart Association, including a $5,000 contribution and matching donation from JE Dunn. Six team members participated in the JE Dunn Has Heart Relay, and Client Solutions Director Bo Crouse-Feuerhelm was recognized as an Executive with Heart for raising over $5,000. At the Wake County Public Schools Xtreme Career Event, employees conducted mock interviews and engaged high schoolers about careers in design and construction. Additionally, they supported Magical Moments Therapeutic Riding Center, Ronald McDonald House, and the Women’s Center of Wake County, leveraging the JE Dunn Employee Match Program to double their impact.
In 2024, the Northern California office made a significant impact by volunteering with organizations like Resource Area For Teaching and Christmas in the Park, assembling STEM kits and decorating trees. They also participated in the JE Dunn Has Heart Relay to promote wellness and camaraderie. Special recognition goes to the project coordinators, project engineers, and a summer intern who organized a food drive to support under-resourced families in Silicon Valley.
In 2024, Savannah kicked off the year with the “Big Chef, Little Chef” fundraising event at the Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club, where local chefs partnered with young Boys & Girls Club chefs to create delicious appetizers. Throughout the year, we participated in golf tournaments, clay shoots, and sponsorship luncheons for partners like St. Joseph’s/Candler Foundation, Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia, and Junior Achievement of Georgia. We also supported the Building Great Futures Telethon, volunteered with Tybee Clean Beach to collect trash at the beach, and organized a Christmas wish gift drive for teens at Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club. Additionally, we participated in the JE Dunn Has Heart Relay for the American Heart Association and hosted events to raise awareness for suicide prevention. A major highlight was delivering $5,000 Building a Legacy grant donations to Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia and Frank Callen Boys & Girls Club. This was a year of celebration through giving, and we look forward to continuing our charity efforts in 2025, further strengthening our community relationships here in Savannah.
In 2024, Springfield focused our community service on Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks. In March, the team made dinner for the Mercy House Family Dinner Program, bringing comfort and care to families visiting. This organization holds a special place in Community Ambassador Kelley Norman’s heart. Kelley experienced the Ronald McDonald House’s incredible support and generosity firsthand while her daughter was in the NICU at Mercy Hospital for nearly two weeks after being born prematurely. The Springfield office plans to continue our relationship with this organization and looks forward to volunteering at both houses.
This year, the Tampa office proudly partnered with numerous organizations to give back to the Bay Area community. Our teammates painted walls in the Pace Center for Girls activity spaces, helping to create a brighter, more inspiring environment for the students. We delivered meals to those in need through Meals on Wheels, built bicycles for children through OnBikes, packed backpacks filled with essential supplies alongside the United Way, and contributed to environmental preservation by cleaning beaches with the Pinellas Native Plant Society.
In addition to these efforts, we organized and participated in various drives, collecting food, supplies, and toys to support organizations across Tampa Bay. These initiatives not only provided tangible resources for those in need but also strengthened our connection to the community.
In 2024, our Oklahoma team, with offices in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, demonstrated a strong commitment to community service through various initiatives. In Oklahoma City, they partnered with the Oklahoma City Zoo, volunteered at OU Health Children’s Hospital, and collaborated with Big Brothers Big Sisters. In Tulsa, they sponsored the Kid’s Zone at the Tulsa Juneteenth Festival and organized a float for the Fiestas de las Americas Parade. During National Volunteer Week, employees from both cities cleaned local parks and gardens, and participated in the Angel Tree program. Collectively, the team logged over 480 volunteer hours, showcasing their dedication to building stronger communities.
In 2024, the Wichita office showcased its strong commitment to community engagement through various initiatives, including installing a shade structure at the Wichita Children’s Home and awarding them a $100,000 Building a Legacy grant. The team prioritized health and wellness by participating in the Wichita Heart Walk and Heart Ball, supported the Via Christi Charity Golf Tournament Board, Kansas Children’s Foundation, and donated supplies to the Kidzcope Program. They also partnered with the Mental Health Association of South Central Kansas and the SPLASH Program at the Richard A. Devore South YMCA, emphasizing their dedication to mental health and youth development, making a significant positive impact on the local community.
The fantastic efforts our team has made to give back to the many communities across North Dakota is something to celebrate. Whether building lemonade stands with local youth, cleaning up our roads, or welcoming college freshmen to their new university, we have truly made a positive impact. One of the most inspiring moments was when we partnered with Make-A-Wish for their largest annual event in North Dakota. It was heartwarming to see so many people come together for such a worthy cause. Additionally, our sponsorship of a program that pairs students with students with disabilities has been incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing to see friendships and connections being formed. We are incredibly proud to be part of this small but mighty team. Our big hearts and passion for the communities we work within make all the difference.
Meet Building the Future, JE Dunn’s K-12 construction education initiative. In 2024, JE Dunn connected with more than 15,000 students through engaging, hands-on experiences at school districts and educational nonprofits. Explore construction careers, learn how we build a school, and more!
A national Centennial initiative, Building a Legacy: A Century of Generosity, took hold in 2024, extending JE Dunn’s community impact, and celebrating the employees and communities that have been foundational to the company’s success and longevity.
JE Dunn will donate $1 million+ each year to a charitable cause that its employees select through this initiative and supplements the company’s existing annual giving.
Nancy Phelps, Vice President and Community Impact Director, has more than 20 years of experience in communications, nonprofit development, and corporate social responsibility. She leads corporate philanthropy and employee engagement across 26 communities and oversees the Dunn Family Foundation. She holds an MBA from Northwest Missouri State University and has been recognized through leadership roles and honors including Ingram’s 40 Under 40, the Centurions Leadership Program, and board service with the KCPS Education Foundation, American Cancer Society, Marlborough Community Coalition, and The Kansas City Royals Foundation.