Atlanta-based
Hardin Construction Company has kept community outreach at the core of its operation since opening its doors in 1946.
Two years ago, the company decided it was time to take its efforts to the next level and launched the Hardin Construction Associates Charitable Foundation.
With five Hardin offices in four states across the South, the charitable foundation keeps the company’s community involvement alive while allowing its 350 associates to choose what causes need the most support in their area.
“There are so many worthy causes that it is hard to answer the call to everyone,” says Lisa Fanto, Hardin’s senior vice president of corporate and communication services. “We thought, let’s have our giving reflect their interests in the communities where they’re working and living. That’s where the idea began to germinate.”
Governed solely by Hardin associates, the foundation is led by a nine-member board of directors that meets quarterly to decide which projects will be awarded grants. In the past two years, the number of grants has swelled to 10 per quarter, with the expectation that this number will continue to grow.
In the past 63 years, the company has raised more than $1 million dollars for one of its major causes, the
March of Dimes. Other causes the foundation supports include:
Atlanta Union Mission, Atlanta; the
Conductive Education Center of Orlando, Fla.; the
Tammy Lynn Center, Raleigh, N.C.; the Hillsborough County Children Services Volunteer League, Tampa, Fla.; and the
Capital Area Food Bank, Austin, Texas.
One unique aspect of the charitable foundation is that Hardin associates provide all financial support. They can make a one-time annual contribution or pledge payroll deductions throughout the year, allowing the foundation to run independently from outside sponsorships or fundraising.
“Our overhead is low, so it can make a huge impact in the community,” Fanto says.
In just two years, the charitable foundation has raised more than $100,000. Associates pledged more than $70,000 in 2007 alone, and Hardin Construction matched those funds dollar-for-dollar in the first year of operation.
“It meant that right out of the block, the foundation had money to give away,” Fanto says.
The foundation also supports Hardin associates during times of need through “hardship” applications. Associates may apply to the board of directors, which confidentially awards grants.
While starting a charitable foundation from the ground up is a daunting task, Fanto insists it is an attainable goal. “When we first began looking at this and talking to other companies, it looked like a really large mountain,” she says.
“When people think of foundations, they think of millions of dollars, but every bit is important, and it’s not impossible.
“Our associates love it and are very proud of what they do,” Fanto says. “Whatever your individual passion is, you can make a difference.”
Hardin Construction Company operates out of Atlanta, Austin, Orlando, Raleigh and Tampa, and is a member of the
Georgia,
Central Texas,
Central Florida,
Carolinas and
North Florida chapters of Associated Builders and Contractors.