January 7, 2019

Brands that invest in their communities often see a beneficial return. Recently, several manufacturers chose to give back to their local charities, organizations and causes that were important to their values and initiatives. KBB spoke with these companies to find out more.

Company: Behr Paint Co.

Initiative: The Masco Million Differences Campaign aims to increase diversity and inclusion in workplaces in the communities where employees live and work – in Behr’s case, Orange County, Calif. Behr invited its employees to nominate organizations that break down barriers and align with these goals. The nonprofits they selected stand out because they support a wide range of community needs, and their plans to use the donation will help carry out the vision of this campaign.

Goal: Behr hopes the grants to these organizations will be used to support recipients’ most urgent needs – whether it be providing funding to hire staff, purchasing necessary materials or creating new scholarships and opportunities for the audiences they serve. Ultimately, the company hopes these donations support the development of future leaders and organizations in our community.

The Why: “One of Behr’s guiding principles is to do the right thing,” said Jeff Filley, president of Behr Paint Co. “Behr really values its Orange County roots; that is why we find it so important to give back in our neighborhood. These donations, as part of the Masco Million Differences Campaign, will celebrate and strengthen our connection to the people and organizations that make Santa Ana, Calif., such a great place to live and work.”

                                            Grand opening night at the Beautiful You salon

Firm: DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen

Initiative: Owner Bob Swift’s wife, Becky – who was herself diagnosed with cancer on Memorial Day 2017 – saw an opportunity to help other women when a local salon needed more space. DreamMaker donated its designer and paid for the materials to give the existing space a modern facelift. In recent months, the salon, Beautiful You, has added a finished area with sofa/chairs and mirrors, two shampoo sinks and an assortment of stylish wigs on display.

Goal: “Our efforts allowed Beautiful You to expand and offer these wonderful services to many more women affected by cancer,” said Swift. “As well, it has helped further spread the word of these services to so many more people in the surrounding communities and beyond. Our hope is that with our continued efforts, additional donations and volunteers will continue to grow.”

The Why: “We feel that it is the people of Grand Rapids, Mich. that support our employees, their families and our company,” said Swift. “What better way to show our appreciation than by giving back to the community? As well, we feel very blessed to be able to participate and sponsor these kinds of helping efforts.”

                                  DIFFA’s Grants and Giving event at Current in New York City

Organization: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA)

Initiative: DIFFA was founded more than 30 years ago by a group of passionate designers who witnessed the impact of this deadly virus on their community and felt compelled to help. This year, DIFFA granted $285,000 to 26 organizations, and together the DIFFA national chapters granted more than $1 million to organizations nationwide.

Goal: The organizations serve critical areas and target populations, including homeless individuals, the LGBT community, youth, people of color, elderly and the incarcerated. They also offer a range of services to fight stigma; work on prevention and education; and offer nutrition, counseling and job preparedness services.

The Why: “With more than 1.1 million people living with HIV in the U.S. today – and hundreds of new diagnoses each year – services from local organizations and community groups are critical to the fight to end HIV/AIDS,” said Dawn Roberson, executive director of DIFFA.