Every year, organizations ranging from small to large partner with Greater Twin Cities United Way to create positive change in our community. Our corporate partners are a highly valued and critical part of our mission, investing their time through rewarding team-building volunteer projects and their dollars through United Way workplace campaigns and corporate sponsorships.
One of those key corporate partners is Polaris, a company that is dedicated to supporting and serving their employees, customers and the community. Polaris has been a Greater Twin Cities United Way partner for more than 10 years and has given more than $10 million.
In 2019, Polaris and their employees invested almost $1.8 million in the community through Greater Twin Cities United Way. This gift will change the lives of nearly 30,000 neighbors. Specifically, this investment will:
Supporting United Way is just one-way Polaris makes a difference in our community. With its Geared for Good program, Polaris is continually tuning to be a good steward for the industry, our communities and the outdoors. The Polaris Foundation is an integral part of that campaign.
The Polaris Foundation is dedicated to three pillars: youth safety, environment and access, and community development. Polaris’ work with United Way falls under the community development pillar, assisting in creating strong, vibrant communities where Polaris’ employees live, work and play. Since 2014, Polaris has seen a 110 percent increase in giving and a 135 percent increase in employee participation with United Way.
“At Polaris, we are Geared for Good. One of the ways this good comes alive is through our employees and their passion for giving back to our communities which has helped thousands of families in the Twin Cities,” says Lucy Clark Dougherty, Polaris Foundation President.
Another consistent characteristic of Polaris involvement with multiple United Way campaigns has been dedicated employee engagement. This year, Polaris held campaign fundraising events including a 5K race, golf tournaments and a chili cook-off. On-site campaign volunteer activities included making snack packs and food kits for community members in need.
Employee engagement extends beyond campaign week. In 2018, more than 1,500 Polaris volunteers participated in United Way’s Volunteer United program, dedicating more than 800 hours to community causes. One example of this was conducting a very large product drive for United Way’s Home For Good event, which provides families entering stable housing with basic items to set up their new place.
In addition, approximately 60 Polaris employees took part in United Way’s giving communities, including Arise Project, Emerging Leaders and Women United, gifting a total of more than $100,000! At a leadership level, Polaris is extremely committed to United Way. Chris Musso, senior vice president of Electrification Strategy, is a member of Greater Twin Cities United Way’s board of directors.
In partnership with United Way, Polaris is building a stronger nonprofit sector and a more vibrant Twin Cities community.
Inspired? Your company can volunteer, partner and fundraise. Our team is ready to help you set up a successful workplace campaign. We know every company is different and will help customize your messaging and activities to keep everyone engaged and excited about contributing to our community! To get involved, visit our Company Partners page.
