When TELUS expanded its presence in North Carolina, the global technology company saw an opportunity to do more than grow its business. As a leader in data-driven solutions that help optimize the global food and consumer goods value chain, TELUS was equally committed to investing in the communities where its employees live, work and serve.

In 2022, TELUS partnered with Foundation for the Carolinas to establish a Corporate Donor Advised Fund and committed to investing $1 million in grants to grassroots North Carolina nonprofits over four years. This year, the company reached that milestone, supporting organizations that are improving the lives of vulnerable youth through education, health and technology across the state.

For TELUS, the investment reflects a broader commitment to creating positive social impact while helping build stronger, more resilient communities.

“As we celebrate TELUS reaching its $1 million grant commitment to North Carolina nonprofits this year, our focus remains on intentional support,” said Ebony Burt, chair of the TELUS North Carolina Community Board. “When the TELUS North Carolina Community Board selects grant recipients, we evaluate several critical factors, including an organization’s funding history with TELUS, geographical location and reach and the number of individuals impacted. We also prioritize responsiveness to extenuating circumstances, such as natural disasters, to ensure support reaches communities when they need it most. We seek partners who significantly impact critical issues youth are facing in North Carolina.”

Through FFTC’s partnership, TELUS has streamlined the administration of its grantmaking, allowing the company to focus on building meaningful community relationships and expanding its impact.

“Working with FFTC has enhanced this process by easing the administration of grant funding,” said Bonita McClure, senior community investment manager at TELUS. “This enables us to focus on building community relationships and deepening the engagement of our team.”

Among the organizations benefiting from TELUS’ investment are Food Connection in western North Carolina and The SISI in the Triangle region, two nonprofits creating opportunities and support systems for young people in very different but equally impactful ways.

Nourishing Communities Through Food Connection

Founded in 2015, Asheville-based Food Connection operates with a dual mission: reducing food waste and addressing hunger. The organization rescues surplus food from hospitals, universities, retirement communities, conference centers and hospitality venues, then redistributes it to individuals and families facing food insecurity.

Over the years, Food Connection has kept more than 500 tons of food out of landfills while providing nutritious meals to communities across western North Carolina.

“Really, we’re called Food Connection, but it’s all the connections that we provide,” said Executive Director Marisha MacMorran.

Initially, Food Connection distributed rescued food exclusively through partner agencies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the organization adapted its model, launching a direct-to-community approach that now delivers approximately 3,000 individual meals each week through food trucks and mobile meal sites.

A significant portion of TELUS funding supports Food Connection’s Youth Food Security Initiative, which works with afterschool programs, early childhood learning centers and community partners to ensure children and families have reliable access to healthy meals.

The initiative has become especially important in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which intensified food insecurity challenges across western North Carolina.

“TELUS came on as a funder and amplified our youth program,” MacMorran said. “Since the hurricane, we’ve doubled the amount we’re able to sustain. We’re still very much in long-term recovery in the mountains.”

Food Connection’s approach is intentionally designed to reduce stigma. Mobile meal sites provide free meals in welcoming environments where children, families and community members can choose meals with dignity and without barriers.

MacMorran shared the impact these programs have on middle and high school students who may struggle with food insecurity but hesitate to seek help.

“Kids don’t want to be seen as the child who needs the food bag,” she said. “When they come to our food truck, everyone is ordering meals. No one is othered. They’re excited, they’re proud and they’re taking meals home to their families.”

The program also introduces youth to healthy foods they may not otherwise have access to, creating opportunities to expand their palates and develop lifelong healthy eating habits.

As Food Connection continues to grow its model and mentor similar programs in other communities, support from partners like TELUS remains critical.

“The heart of what TELUS funds are the youth initiatives,” MacMorran said. “It allows us to continue meeting families where they are to eliminate food access and improve sustainability in our community.”

Building Future Leaders Through The SISI

While Food Connection focuses on food security, The SISI is helping young women build confidence, leadership skills and pathways to success.

Founded by Terry Spicer, The SISI was inspired by the mentorship she received from a group of influential women she affectionately calls her “Board of Pearls.” Wanting to create similar opportunities for young girls, she launched The PEARLS Academy, a mentorship program serving girls from elementary school through high school.

Over the past 13 years, the program has supported dozens of graduates, many of whom have gone on to college, entrepreneurship and leadership opportunities.

“We don’t create their brilliance. They come to us with it,” Spicer said. “We teach them the strategy on how to fine tune it and excel in it. We are a wonderful complement to their God-given brilliance.”

TELUS funding directly supports The PEARLS Academy, helping provide transformative experiences that expand participants’ horizons and strengthen their leadership skills.

The investment supports educational travel opportunities, workshops and annual programming, including The SISI’s leadership conference held each March in recognition of Women’s History Month. This year’s conference welcomed more than 300 participants.

“There are so many things we’ll be able to do,” Spicer said. “It really is an investment, because it adds to their future.”

The organization recently launched a Global Leadership Consortium that connects academy participants with accomplished women from a variety of industries. Long term, Spicer hopes to scale the program and create additional opportunities for girls across North Carolina and beyond.

At the heart of The SISI’s work is a belief that access changes outcomes.

From a national junior golf champion to aspiring musicians and future entrepreneurs, participants are encouraged to explore their talents while developing a strong commitment to community service and leadership.

“We meet these children where they are,” Spicer said. “Success does look just like them.”

A Strategic Approach to Community Impact

Food Connection and The SISI represent just two examples of the organizations benefiting from TELUS’ thoughtful and strategic approach to philanthropy. Whether increasing food security for youth and families or helping young women discover their potential, each grant is designed to create lasting impact for youth in communities across North Carolina.

As TELUS celebrates the completion of its initial $1 million commitment, the company continues to demonstrate how corporate philanthropy can strengthen communities while empowering the next generation.

Through FFTC’s Center for Corporate Philanthropy, companies like TELUS can maximize the effectiveness of their charitable investments while advancing business and community goals. FFTC partners with organizations of all sizes to develop philanthropic strategies, manage charitable funds and create meaningful giving programs that address critical community needs, engage employees and customers and drive lasting impact throughout the region.

For TELUS, the results are already evident: stronger nonprofit partners, more opportunities for young people and a deeper connection to the communities it proudly serves.