Creating healthy communities by making connections through partnership programs.
Our Community Commitment
We’re dedicated to using our resources to provide for communities and projects in line with our company values. As a corporation we build relationships with the community to make a positive impact inside and outside our walls. Our contribution efforts are focused on programs that:
- Encourage community growth
- Promote life-long learning
- Harbor cultural acceptance
- Advance arts and cultural heritage
- Create positive environmental contributions
Friends InDeed
Steelcase encourages employee volunteer efforts through our Friends InDeed program. The global program channels our belief in harvesting good corporate citizenship by taking responsibility for the communities in which we live and work.
Established in 2004, Friends InDeed allows employees to give their time and talents to pre-approved non-profit volunteer activities during business hours. In 2008, about 1,800 employees and retirees volunteered globally, contributing about 25,000 service hours.
Our Global Relations team ensures time and resources are being focused on projects that employ our values of:
- Supporting urban education
- Encouraging diversity
- Aiding in economic development
- Providing human services
- Continuing sustainable efforts
Retiree Resources
Steelcase employees often consider themselves family instead of coworkers. We work to encourage a family atmosphere within our company. As part of our inclusive endeavors, we welcome retirees to stay involved and included.
The Concerned Adults reaching Effectively (CARE) program is utilized by about 300 retirees and spouses. CARE allows past employees to continue community volunteer efforts at 20 non-profit organizations through Steelcase.
The Steelcase Retirees’ Club is a social organization allowing past employees to keep involved on a social level.
The club focuses on activity, diversity and connection with others.
Organized events include trips, golf outings, monthly educational or entertainment meetings, a summer picnic, a holiday program and a variety of other activities.
Post-Steelcase magazine is a publication especially for Steelcase Grand Rapids retirees. The quarterly magazine informs the ever growing retiree population of company news and fellow retiree information.
Grand Rapids Preparatory Academy (GRUPA)
Founded in 2008, the Grand Rapids Preparatory Academy focuses on inspiring children to make positive changes internally and externally through their parents and community.
GRUPA is a tuition-free college-preparatory school for students in grades six through twelve.
The project was enforced by Steelcase CEO Jim Hackett and other local CEOs based on a similar school in Detroit, MI. Currently there are 175 students enrolled at GRUPA.
West Michigan Center for Arts & Technology (WMCAT)
Opened in 2005, WMCAT is part of a national network dedicated to continued education. The education center inspires students outside classroom walls and offers additional training for adults to thrive in the workplace.
The programs include an intensive classroom segment and additional out of the classroom externship hours. The center was inspired by education initiatives in Pittsburgh, which had over 30 years of success.
Schools of Hope
School of Hope The nationally recognized School of Hope program through United Way has provided structured tutoring for public school children for more than 20 years.
Almost 100 Steelcase employees meet weekly with public school students to help improve reading levels as measured by state-wide standardized testing.
Habitat for Humanity
Steelcase was named Kent County Corporate Donor of the Year in 2008 for Habitat for Humanity.
In 2004, Steelcase formalized its partnership with the Habitat for Humanity of Kent County. We donate to Habitat for Humanity values by strengthening families and neighborhoods through house building and affordable home ownership.
Steelcase has contributed to the disaster aid relief funds to various Habitat locations globally, provided volunteers through our Friends InDeed program and used our factory space for Habitat volunteers to build house frames.
United Way
United Way Steelcase has been a long-time supporter of United Way’s community rejuvenation efforts.
About 90 percent of the money raised by United Way is put back into community efforts judged by local citizen discussion. At global headquarters, employees and retirees have been leaders in donating time and efforts to United Way events.
Steelcase also provides a “loaned executive” for three months in support of the UW campaign.
Recently, Steelcase employees banded together to adopt local families in need of extra holiday gifts and resources.
Urban League
Urban League The National Urban League is the nation’s largest non-profit community service organization addressing the needs of America’s most disadvantaged citizens. Steelcase has partnered with the Grand Rapids Urban League to support annual event awarding outstanding citizens.
The company’s Town Hall facility is donated to the Urban League for the presentation of their “Drum Major Award” to an individual for their contribution to the Grand Rapids Community.
Institute for Healing Racism
In part of our efforts to educate and support diversity in the workplace, Steelcase supports the Institute for Healing Racism.
Since 1999 we have provided financial support for coalition. The institute is a 10-week program that explores the history of racism in America and methods of healing racism wounds.
Summit On Racism
Summit on Racism The Summit on Racism is an annual workshop focused on brainstorming ways to end racism. Steelcase has provided financial support for the summit since 1999.
Organized by the Grand Rapids Area Center for Ecumenism’s Racial Justice Institute the workshop draws people from all areas of Michigan. Partners for a Racism Free Community