Our Community Commitment
We’re dedicated to using our resources to provide for communities and projects in line with our company values. We build relationships with the community to make a positive impact inside and outside our walls.
Our contribution efforts are focused on:
- Art + Culture
- Urban Education
- Diversity + Inclusion
- Economic Development
- Environmental
Global Initiative
Overview
Overview
At Steelcase we’re committed to benefitting the communities in which we live in – all over the globe. Since our founding in 1912, we’ve made community support efforts an integral part of our operations.
Global Commitment
Steelcase employees around the globe are encouraged to take part in volunteer and leadership opportunities with our unique community programs. As a company we’re honored to provide monetary and furniture donations to the communities that help Steelcase grow and innovate.
Internal Commitment
Internally, we’re dedicated to continual diversity support, training and acceptance. We partner with organizations that promote community cultural programs. Steelcase leads regular diversity seminars and discussions to demonstrate our dedication to serving global markets.
Global Relations Team
Global Relations Team
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
Education Commitment
Grand Rapids Preparatory Academy
Founded in 2008
The Grand Rapids Preparatory Academy (UPREP) focuses on inspiring children to make positive changes internally and externally through their parents and community.
UPREP is a tuition-free college-preparatory school for students in grades six through twelve.
The project was founded by Steelcase CEO Jim Hackett and other local CEOs based on a similar school in Detroit, MI.
West Michigan Center for Arts & Technology
Opened 2005
West Michigan Center for Arts & Technology (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
Nationally Recognized
The nationally recognized School of Hope program through United Way has provided structured tutoring for public school children for more than 20 years.
For over 10 years Steelcase employees have met weekly with public school students to help improve reading levels as measured by state-wide standardized testing.
Economic Development
Habitat for Humanity
Steelcase is a Global Partner to Habitat for Humanity
In 2004, Steelcase formalized its partnership with the Habitat for Humanity of Kent County. We donate to Habitat forHumanity to strengthen 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 and used our factory space for Habitat volunteers to build house frames.
United Way
Steelcase has been a long-time supporter of United Way’s community rejuvenation efforts and has been recognized as the largest corporate and employee contributors to United Way.
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. Each year our employees contribute hundreds of hours to the United Way Day of Caring.
Urban League
Steelcase is a leading partner with the Grand Rapids Urban League. Steelcase has partnered with the Grand Rapids Urban League to support annual event awarding outstanding citizens.
For over twelve years, the company has partnered with the Urban League for the annual Martin Luther King Corporate Breakfast by providing facilities and funding for this event.
Encouraging Diversity
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 sponsored a 10-week program 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
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.
Our Giving Policy + FAQs
We understand the value of communities that make it possible for us to lead healthy lives and harvest new talent.
Likewise, we make it a priority to support communities that are within need of our resources. Steelcase gives our time, talents and treasures to programs that specifically focus on our values: community and economic development, education, human services, arts and culture, and sustainability
Steelcase focuses on donating business time, employee talent and company treasures to improving the environment in which we work and live.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions in relation to our community relations can be found within our FAQs.