As part of The Starbucks Foundation’s Neighborhood Grants program, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida (BBBSNWFL) was selected to receive a $2,000 grant. This grant award is thanks to a nomination(s) from a local Starbucks partner (employee) who recognized the work of BBBSNWFL. Through this unique program, The Starbucks Foundation invites Starbucks partners to nominate a local organization in their community.
The funds from the grant will be used to fund BBBSNWFL’s mentoring programs from Pensacola to Panama City. This includes extensive background screenings for volunteers (Bigs), volunteer training and orientation, and professional case management so that no match is left unsupported.
“Starbucks has been a true blessing to work with,” CEO & President of BBBSNWFL Paula Shell shared. “Our collective goal is to create change within our community from Pensacola to Panama City and it’s been so easy to move the needle together. From volunteer recruitment events to thanking our local law enforcement for all they do to impact young lives, we are walking hand in hand to ignite others to take a stand to mentor another life. We are honored to receive this gift of support.”
The Starbucks Foundation’s Neighborhood Grants program supports grassroots, community-led nonprofit organizations through catalytic investments in the form of grants. Neighborhood Grants also help build sustained local impact and inspire increased partner (employee) engagement with nonprofit organizations that work in their communities.
“We know that our impact in communities is most meaningful when our efforts begin with our partners (employees) who know their neighbors best,” said Starbucks chief social impact officer and The Starbucks Foundation board member Virginia Tenpenny. “Since the beginning Starbucks has been about more than coffee. We are a people company rooted in a mission to nurture the human spirit. To do this well, we will continue to invest in meaningful ways to help our communities thrive.”
Last year, Starbucks partnered with BBBSNWFL to host its first ever Brewing with Badges event; an opportunity for Bigs, Littles, Starbucks partners, and local law enforcement to connect over making different Starbucks coffee beverages.
