Beyond the Checkbook: Kimley-Horn Links Kindness to Community Impact – And Results

Raleigh, N.C. – In an era where corporate social responsibility often feels like a marketing exercise, engineering and design firm Kimley-Horn is taking a different approach. The company’s recent ‘Kindness Counts’ challenge isn't just about a $1 million donation to Feeding America; it's about fundamentally linking employee engagement with tangible community impact – and reaping the business benefits as a result.

Launched earlier this year, the 100-day initiative encouraged Kimley-Horn’s 9,000+ employees to perform acts of kindness – big or small. From offering a helping hand to a colleague to volunteering time at local organizations, these acts weren’t simply logged; they were quantified, unlocking a significant donation to fight food insecurity nationwide. The result? A $1 million gift to Feeding America, providing an estimated 10 million meals to families in need.

But the impact extends far beyond the donation itself. Experts suggest the program is a textbook example of how fostering a positive workplace culture can directly translate into both social good and improved business outcomes.

The ‘Kindness Economy’ Takes Root

“We’re seeing a growing trend of companies recognizing that social responsibility isn’t just a ‘nice-to-have’ anymore,” explains a workplace culture consultant who has followed Kimley-Horn’s initiatives. “Consumers and employees alike are demanding that organizations demonstrate a genuine commitment to making a positive impact. It's about building brand loyalty, attracting top talent, and boosting employee morale.”

Kimley-Horn’s approach is particularly noteworthy because it goes beyond simply writing a check to a charity. By actively engaging employees in the philanthropic process, the company has created a sense of ownership and purpose. “The idea wasn’t to dictate what kindness looks like,” says a company spokesperson. “It was about empowering our team to define it for themselves.”

Beyond Participation: Measuring the Ripple Effect

While many companies boast about employee volunteer programs, Kimley-Horn’s challenge stands out due to its clear link between action and impact. Over 10,000 acts of kindness were documented – roughly 11.1% employee participation. This wasn't just about counting numbers, however. The program spurred internal conversations, fostered team bonding, and reportedly boosted employee morale.

“When employees feel valued and connected to a larger purpose, it translates into increased engagement, productivity, and retention,” explains a human resources expert specializing in workplace culture. “Companies that prioritize employee well-being and social impact are consistently ranked among the ‘best places to work’ – and that’s no coincidence.”

Kimley-Horn has consistently appeared on Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for 18 consecutive years, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to creating a positive work environment. This positive environment likely fuels the success of initiatives like ‘Kindness Counts.’

A Deeper Dive: Benchmarking Against Competitors

While many firms offer matching gift programs or encourage employee volunteerism, few have adopted Kimley-Horn’s model of directly linking actions to donations. AECOM and Jacobs, for example, both have robust CSR programs, but they tend to focus more on traditional charitable giving and community engagement. Kimley-Horn’s approach is different: it's about empowering employees to drive impact.

“There’s a growing realization that philanthropy isn’t just about writing checks,” notes a sustainability consultant. “It’s about creating a culture of giving and encouraging employees to use their skills and talents to make a difference.”

Food Insecurity: A National Crisis Demands Corporate Action

Beyond the internal benefits, Kimley-Horn’s initiative addresses a critical societal issue. According to Feeding America, over 46 million people in the United States rely on food banks and pantries to meet their basic needs. The COVID-19 pandemic and recent economic challenges have only exacerbated the problem.

“Food insecurity is a complex issue with far-reaching consequences,” explains a representative from Feeding America. “Corporate partnerships are essential to providing the resources and support needed to address this crisis.”

Kimley-Horn’s $1 million donation will provide much-needed relief to communities across the country, helping to ensure that families have access to nutritious meals.

The Future of Corporate Giving?

Kimley-Horn’s ‘Kindness Counts’ challenge offers a compelling case study for companies looking to integrate social responsibility into their core business strategy. By empowering employees, linking actions to impact, and addressing a critical societal issue, the firm has demonstrated that doing good and doing well are not mutually exclusive.

“We believe that this is the future of corporate giving,” says a company spokesperson. “It’s about creating a culture of purpose and empowering our team to make a difference in the world.”

The program’s success is a reminder that a positive workplace culture and a commitment to social responsibility can be powerful drivers of both social impact and business success. As more companies embrace this model, we can expect to see a ripple effect of positive change in communities across the country.