Beyond the Balance Sheet: Rehmann's Strategic Community Investment

TROY, MI – December 02, 2025 – In an announcement timed for Giving Tuesday, the Rehmann Foundation, the philanthropic arm of advisory firm Rehmann, disclosed it has awarded over $100,000 in grants to eleven community organizations across Michigan, Ohio, and Florida. While such corporate announcements are common this time of year, a closer look at Rehmann’s model reveals a sophisticated approach that transcends simple charity, weaving philanthropy directly into its corporate identity, employee engagement strategy, and regional business footprint.

The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 each, are directed toward a diverse group of non-profits nominated by the firm's own associates. This employee-centric model is a cornerstone of a strategy that aims to do more than just write checks; it seeks to build a culture of authentic community partnership from the inside out.

“We launched the Rehmann Foundation to reflect our firm’s deep commitment to supporting our communities,” said Rehmann CEO Stacie Kwaiser in the official release. “The annual Day of Giving is a chance to strengthen our partnerships with local organizations and show our appreciation for the vital contributions they make.”

The Anatomy of Associate-Driven Philanthropy

What sets Rehmann’s philanthropic initiative apart is its deliberate structure, built around employee participation. By empowering its 1,100 associates to nominate organizations, the firm ensures that its giving is not a top-down corporate mandate but a grassroots reflection of the issues that matter most to its people in the communities where they live and work. This approach serves a dual purpose: it directs funds to vetted, on-the-ground organizations and deeply embeds a sense of purpose and engagement within the firm’s culture.

The Rehmann Foundation, established in 2021, operates on three core pillars: Education, Community, and Economic Impact. This framework provides strategic focus, guiding associate nominations toward organizations that address systemic challenges. The 2025 grant recipients exemplify this targeted approach. They range from providing basic needs and social services to fostering leadership and enhancing education, creating a portfolio of impact that is both broad and deep.

For example, grants directed toward organizations like Rescue Ministries of Mid-Michigan and Cass Community Social Services in Detroit tackle pressing issues of homelessness and food insecurity. Meanwhile, funding for Leadership Toledo supports the cultivation of the next generation of civic leaders, and a grant to the Michigan Center for 21st C. Teaching and Learning invests in the educational infrastructure critical for future workforce development. This is philanthropy as a strategic investment in community resilience and capacity building.

“These grantees exemplify commitment to addressing key challenges and building sustainable progress, and we’re pleased to support their efforts,” noted Michelle Fowler, President of the Rehmann Foundation. This statement highlights the focus on sustainability, a key differentiator from one-off donations.

A Mosaic of Local Impact

The true measure of this $100,000 initiative lies not in the total sum, but in the specific, tangible outcomes it enables across its geographic focus areas. Each grant is a catalyst for critical local work.

In the Grand Traverse Area, the Women’s Resource Center will leverage its funding to provide shelter, counseling, and legal advocacy for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. In a region where such resources are vital, this support directly translates into safety and a chance for a new beginning for vulnerable women and children.

In Detroit, Cass Community Social Services, known for its innovative Tiny Homes project that provides a path to homeownership for low-income residents, will be able to further its mission of providing comprehensive food, housing, and employment services. This grant contributes to a holistic model aimed at breaking cycles of poverty.

Florida’s NAMI Greater Orlando, an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, will use its grant to expand support groups, educational programs, and advocacy for families affected by mental illness. In a rapidly growing state where mental health services are under increasing strain, this funding addresses a critical and often-overlooked community need.

Other recipients, such as Upcycle Bikes, which provides refurbished bicycles for transportation, and Kids On The GO, which offers therapy for children with special needs, demonstrate a commitment to addressing diverse challenges. From providing a formerly trafficked young person a safe home through MyPlace, Inc. to offering emergency aid via The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the impact is direct, personal, and deeply rooted in the community.

Philanthropy as a Core Business Strategy

In today's competitive market for talent and clients, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has evolved from a peripheral PR activity into a core business function. For professional advisory firms like Rehmann, whose primary assets are their people and their reputation, a robust and authentic CSR strategy is a powerful differentiator. The Rehmann Foundation is not an afterthought; it is a strategic pillar of the firm’s brand.

By formalizing its giving through a foundation and consistently executing its Day of Giving, Rehmann signals a long-term commitment to its communities. This resonates with clients who increasingly prefer to partner with socially conscious businesses. More importantly, it is a critical tool for talent acquisition and retention. Modern professionals, particularly younger generations, seek employers whose values align with their own. An associate-driven philanthropic program demonstrates that the company trusts and values its employees' judgment and is committed to the causes they care about.

While Rehmann's annual grant total may not rival the multi-million dollar foundations of global financial giants, its model is a benchmark for effective regional corporate giving. The strategy's strength lies in its authenticity and integration. It is not simply about the amount given, but about how it is given—thoughtfully, strategically, and with the direct involvement of the people who represent the company every day. This approach builds a resilient brand, a more engaged workforce, and stronger communities, creating a virtuous cycle where business success and social impact are mutually reinforcing.