| Thrivent, Habitat for Humanity form broad-reaching alliance (Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal) |
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Fortune 500 company Thrivent Financial for Lutherans puts into practice what it preaches, according to some people who are involved in or benefit from its benevolent activities. The financial-services organization exists to help its members achieve financial security and give back to their congregations, institutions and the broader community. A century-old nonprofit and "fraternal benefits society" (wherein employees receive life insurance), Thrivent itself gives generously to congregations, schools, charities and others in need around the world -- in the form of grants, gifts, volunteerism and outreach efforts. Throughout the years, the Minneapolis company has donated to numerous nonprofit organizations that are fighting on a grass-roots level against issues such as poverty or world hunger. Last year, more than $20 million worth of grants was donated, according to its 2006 annual report. Thrivent's foundation ranked in the top 10 corporate grantmakers across the state in 2006, as tabulated by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. Recently, the Association of Fundraising Professionals named it the Outstanding Philanthropic Organization of the year, an honor for which the Memorial Blood Centers and Junior Achievement jointly nominated the company. Elizabeth Anderson, director of community relations and communications, said it boils down to the company's mission to improve the quality of life for its staff, members and larger community. "That's what distinguishes Thrivent. It takes care of the individual, key stakeholders and the larger community, not just Lutherans," she said. "We work really hard to be present in the community." The same holds true in times of crisis. In the wake of the I-35W bridge collapse, its foundation set up a memorial fund for a former Thrivent employee, Sherry Engebretsen, who died in the tragedy. As part of its commitment, it promised to match donations totaling $100,000, a benchmark it reached this month. Funds will go to a charity selected by Engebretsen's family members. It also contributed $25,000 to the Minnesota Helps -- Bridge Disaster Fund to aid the relief effort. In addition to financial support, the company promotes volunteer opportunities internally. For various corporate-sponsored events and fundraising, it compensates employees for part of the workday, without using up vacation time. Thrivent throws in plenty of other incentives as well, and outstanding volunteers are recognized for their achievement. That differs from other large corporations, Anderson said, where "you feel like you should be at work. We're transparent here." Employees have some pull, too, when it comes to what causes the company chooses to support. Its commitments have come from a variety of sources, such as word-of-mouth of staff, a granting committee recommendations or a collaborative it participates in called Faith in the City. That group includes Augsburg College, Augsburg Fortress Publishers, Central Lutheran Church, Fairview Health Services, Luther Seminary and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, and focuses on strengthening communities such as the Phillips neighborhood through health care, social services, education sand financial literacy resources. Additionally, when Thrivent employees rack up a certain number of volunteer hours, money goes to a charity of their choice, as one aspect of its "Dollars for Doers" program. One partnership in which Thrivent has made a huge impact, locally and even globally, is with Habitat for Humanity International, which assembles or rehabilitates affordable homes for low-income families. Thrivent stepped up its efforts in 2005, promising Habitat for Humanity International $105 million over four years, making it one of Habitat's largest supporters. The organizations formed a financial, volunteer and advocacy alliance called Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity. It includes four programs to help end poverty housing and help families achieve greater economic independence. Over the past few years Thrivent has reached a milestone of 500 affordable homes in 45 states. By the end of the year, that number will leap to 657 homes. Of those, 15 homes are located in the Twin Cities. Nancy Brady, vice president of resource development and community relations for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, praised Thrivent for its strong showing. Building homes, which cost an average of $182,000 in the Twin Cities, she said, impacts every member of a family, no matter what age. Providing a "stable, healthy environment leads to the kind of transformation that allows people to be good employees, parents and citizens," she said. Brady also said in 2008, Thrivent will fund 65 percent of the cost for eight homes in the seven-county metro area. Above all, "We wouldn't be able to do this without community support. The level of [Thrivent's] support is extremely meaningful and beneficial," she said. Anna Pratt is based in Minneapolis. Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal
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