With Latest Grants, HDR Foundation Surpasses $11 Million Awarded

Above: Sponsored by Ryan Dalrymple, mechanical engineer, an HDR Foundation grant to Partnership for Kids will help expand an immersive and engaging science, technology, engineering and math curriculum for middle and high school students with cutting-edge coding, robotics and drone skills.

The HDR Foundation announced 10 grants totaling $424,965, surpassing $11 million in grants awarded since the inception of the employee-driven foundation in 2012.

"It's incredible how our employees have embraced the HDR Foundation," said Rex Fisher, HDR Foundation board chair. "They are not only generous with their donations, but with their active leadership engaging with the nonprofits receiving grants."

Each grant is sponsored by an HDR employee who volunteers with the nonprofit. Mark Christoffels, HDR principal highway engineer, sponsored a grant to create a free "tech pantry" for students to check out technological devices to support their education.

"The HDR Foundation's recent grant award for the Operation Jump Start technology accessibility project will help bridge the technological divide for low-income students by providing essential resources such as laptops, tablets, smartboards and video technology," Christoffels said.

Foundation grants align with HDR's areas of expertise, with a focus on education, healthy communities and the environment. A grant to the International WeLoveU Foundation for a new pollinator garden connects to all three areas.

"While tackling a pressing environmental issue, the project also serves the people in Greater Hartford Connecticut area by creating green spaces that can enhance residents' mental and physical well-being by encouraging them to enjoy walks on the connecting pollinator paths," said Sophia Cinamella, HDR senior proposal/marketing coordinator and employee sponsor. "The gardens will also educate the public by building awareness about the importance of pollination, our environment and ecosystem, and serve as an outdoor classroom for community members and local schools."

Read more about the latest grants.

About the HDR Foundation
The HDR Foundation provides grants to qualified organizations that align with HDR's areas of expertise: education, healthy communities and environmental stewardship. As an employee-funded and employee-driven foundation, preference is given to organizations located in communities in which HDR employees live and work, and those with strong employee involvement. Since its inception, the HDR Foundation has provided more than $11 million in grants to nearly 400 organizations.

About HDR
HDR is a 100% employee-owned professional services firm. Founded over a century ago to bring electricity to a changing world, we are now a global company specializing in architecture, engineering, environmental and construction services. Our success in built and natural environments continues as we collaborate to solve our clients' and communities' most complex challenges.