BMO Employees Make Historic $31 Million Donation to United Way and Local Communities

BMO Employees Make a Difference with Generous Donations

BMO Financial Group recently made headlines as 90% of its dedicated workforce came together to donate an astonishing $31 million to the United Way, along with numerous other community organizations throughout North America. This generosity is part of BMO's 14th annual Employee Giving campaign, and it has exceeded the bank’s ambitious goal of $27 million, manifesting the spirit of corporate philanthropy.

Darryl White, the CEO of BMO Financial Group, expressed his pride in the employees' commitment, stating, "Inspired by our Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, Team BMO took remarkable action to drive progress for communities across North America during this year's industry-leading Employee Giving campaign." The focus of this collective effort is on building resilient neighborhoods and healthy communities by addressing the root causes of inequity.

Counted among these impressive donations is an additional corporate pledge of over $18 million from BMO to support five United Way agencies located in Toronto, Chicago, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, and Montreal. This concerted effort results in a total contribution of $49 million from BMO to enhance community welfare.

Reflecting on the impact of these donations, Angela F. Williams, President, and CEO of United Way Worldwide, remarked, "When we invest in building stronger, more equitable communities, especially for those who are most vulnerable in our society, we all benefit." This partnership is crucial for local resilience, promoting health, youth opportunities, and financial security within the communities they serve.

The Employee Giving campaign was kicked off on Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2024, with a series of events across North America, where BMO employees participated in packaging community care kits. More than 1,200 volunteers assembled nearly 11,000 kits, containing essential supplies like hygiene items, cold weather gear, literacy materials, and snack packs. These kits were distributed through United Way and partner agencies to address the specific needs of the communities directly.

This approach aligns with BMO's commitment to corporate social responsibility, as the bank has actively engaged in charitable giving and community support. Over the last five years, BMO employees have donated a staggering $130 million to various charities across North America through their employee giving activities.

BMO continues to reaffirm its dedication to social impact by providing essential support to those in need. In 2023, the bank achieved a notable milestone by donating over $84 million to hundreds of charitable organizations, with employees contributing $31 million through the annual giving program.

Founded on its core value of “Boldly Grow the Good,” BMO sees employee volunteer work and contributions as essential elements in ensuring communities thrive. The financial group acknowledges that a sustainable future can only be realized when businesses and their employees contribute to local welfare.

As the eighth largest bank in North America, with total assets amounting to $1.41 trillion as of October 31, 2024, BMO Financial Group continues to provide a broad array of banking services while striving to foster a thriving economy and an inclusive society. Through its partnerships with organizations like the United Way, BMO is not only shaping the banking landscape but is also making tangible contributions to societal well-being.

For more information on BMO's community-focused initiatives and corporate social responsibility, visit BMO's Impact.