#United States #Atlanta #Nonprofits #Chick-fil-A #True Inspiration Awards

Chick-fil-A's 2025 True Inspiration Awards

Chick-fil-A, Inc. recently announced a significant milestone in its philanthropic journey with the unveiling of the recipients for its 2025 True Inspiration Awards® grant program. This year, the company made a remarkable commitment, distributing a staggering $6 million to 56 nonprofit organizations across the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, and the United Kingdom. This contribution not only sets a record for the program but also underlines Chick-fil-A's dedication to making a positive impact through corporate social responsibility.

A Historic Year for Philanthropy

This announcement comes as Chick-fil-A embraces its first foray into philanthropy in the United Kingdom, coinciding with the scheduled opening of its first restaurant there in early 2025. The grants awarded this year were meticulously chosen based on their alignment with the company’s core values: caring for individuals, communities, food, and the planet.

Among the notable grant recipients is Old Skool Cafe, a nonprofit based in San Francisco that provides essential job training for at-risk youth. This organization was honored with the S. Truett Cathy Award, receiving $350,000 to enhance its programs focused on job readiness and community engagement.

Comprehensive Support Across Regions

In total, the 2025 True Inspiration Awards distributed grants ranging from $30,000 to $350,000. The selection process was notably participatory with more than 625,000 votes submitted by members through the Chick-fil-A One® app. This extensive engagement exemplifies the company's commitment to community-driven decision-making.

Since the program's inception in 2015, Chick-fil-A has awarded over $33.8 million globally, thus reaching an impressive 500,000 people annually. The inclusion of a nonprofit from the UK marks a significant expansion of their philanthropic efforts. The recipient, Hospitality Action, pioneers initiatives aimed at providing vital support to individuals in the hospitality sector.

Spotlight on Leadership Development

Old Skool Cafe, recognized as the S. Truett Cathy Honoree for 2025, operates as a supper club run by youth aged 16-22. It uniquely combines the aspects of job training with a cultural dining experience featuring a global soul food menu and live jazz music. This model not only equips participants with essential skills for the job market but also fosters a sense of community and belonging.

Susanna Choe, a Chick-fil-A Owner-Operator, expressed her admiration for Old Skool Cafe's mission: "The leadership development, mentorship, and job training that Old Skool Cafe provides creates unparalleled opportunities for economic mobility." This recognition reflects Chick-fil-A's view of impactful organizations and their alignment with the entrepreneurial spirit of its founder, S. Truett Cathy.

A Broader Impact on Society

Chick-fil-A aims to promote not only economic growth but also social responsibility through these awards. Brent Fielder, the Vice President of Global Impact, stated, "Chick-fil-A is honored to invest in the impactful work of these incredible organizations... they are shining examples of what it means to care for others and to positively influence the world."

The awards were open for online applications and were also nominated by local Chick-fil-A owner-operators, introducing a new category called Subsidiary Recipients for 2025. This category supports organizations nominated by General Managers from its supply subsidiaries, again reflecting the commitment to localized impacts in areas key to the company’s operations.

Conclusion

As the company looks to the future, the True Inspiration Awards represent a crucial aspect of Chick-fil-A's dedication to uplifting communities, helping organizations combat hunger, provide educational opportunities, and promote environmental stewardship. For more details, both about the current winners and the overarching mission of Chick-fil-A's philanthropy, visit Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards.

Chick-fil-A, Inc. stands as the third-largest quick-service restaurant in the U.S., demonstrating that they are more than just a fast-food chain; they are committed to making a meaningful difference in the communities they serve, one grant at a time.