In 2024, the Papa Johns Foundation’s Building Community Fund program awarded nearly $1.5 million to non-profit organizations. Launched in 2021, the Building Community Fund supports Papa Johns franchisees community initiatives through grants of up to $10,000 to local nonprofits that align with the Foundation’s focus areas. As of 2024, the Building Community Fund has invested more than $5 million to organizations focused on youth leadership and entrepreneurship, and food insecurity. This initiative is just one of the many ways Papa Johns shows its dedication to making a positive impact in the neighborhoods they serve.
This year, the Building Community Fund program awarded grants to more than 270 non-profit organizations across the U.S., who will use these grants to support a wide range of efforts across the Foundation’s focus areas:
- Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship – Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark has been awarded a grant to launch their new program, “Healthy Living Through Access and Nutritional Education.” This initiative is designed to promote healthy living by encouraging nutritious eating habits to enhance overall well-being. The program will feature interactive discussions, cooking demonstrations, and hands-on gardening activities to engage participants in a fun and educational way.
- Food Security and Food Waste Reduction – Kids’ Meals, Inc. in Houston received a grant that will enable the organization to strengthen their Healthy Meal Delivery program, which aims to end childhood hunger by delivering free, nutritious meals directly to the homes of Houston’s most vulnerable preschool-aged children. Kids’ Meals Inc. has received a grant each year since the Building Community Fund’s inception – a total of $30,000.
“The Building Community Fund program has been instrumental in fostering stronger, more resilient communities. By supporting local initiatives and empowering individuals, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for sustainable growth and positive change,” said Madeline Chadwick, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of Papa Johns. “It’s inspiring to see the tangible impact our efforts are making in the lives of so many.”
Last year marked a significant milestone for the Papa Johns Foundation as it introduced a new initiative allowing team members to nominate organizations they are passionate about to receive grants. This program is returning for the second consecutive year, running from Wednesday, Nov. 13 through Friday, Dec. 13. Supporting our team members’ passions is crucial because it not only empowers them but also strengthens the community by fostering a culture of giving and engagement.
To further support these efforts, order a Shaq-a-Roni now through Sunday, Dec. 29 and $1 from each order will go to the Papa Johns Foundation. Order today!
