Vital for Business
Corporate Social Responsibility
KRISTEN UPPERCUE
Business leaders and corporations are increasingly prioritizing corporate social responsibility — the practice of engaging in philanthropic and charitable endeavors and supporting volunteer and ethically oriented practices . According to the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals , the crises communities continue to face along with the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have only accelerated this practice .
In the Mountain State , Dominion Energy , Truist Financial , United Bank and West Virginia American Water have made a significant impact in facing these issues amongst their customer bases , employees and the West Virginia communities they serve .
Dominion Energy
Dominion Energy has maintained the fourth largest solar fleet in the country , transformed its energy grid to be greener and more secure and reduced its carbon emissions by 52 %. These accomplishments are part of its initiative to deliver clean , reliable and affordable energy , protect the environment , serve its customers and communities and empower its workforce . The company is currently in the process of building the nation ’ s largest offshore windfarm and has plans to include nuclear technology in its offerings , allowing it to produce energy that is 100 % carbon free .
“ Providing clean , essential energy to millions of customers safely is a critical part of what we do ,” says Christine Mitchell , chair of the West Virginia Community Investment Board at the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation , the company ’ s philanthropic arm .
Last year , Dominion Energy announced a $ 5 million commitment to support nonprofit organizations advocating for social justice and equality with grants designated to help minority-owned and small businesses . The foundation , which celebrated its 75th year of giving in 2020 , has supported approximately $ 520,000 in grants across West Virginia .
The foundation also supports Dominion Energy ’ s employee involvement in local communities by matching donations employees make to eligible nonprofit charitable organizations dollar for dollar . Employees can also request a $ 500 grant for a qualifying nonprofit after volunteering for 20 hours with the ability to request up to three grants each year .
94
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE