2025
Culture of Good Award Winners
These companies have been recognized for their remarkable contributions to their communities and corporate social responsibility.
Presented by Culture of Good, Inc., an organization dedicated to inspiring businesses to make a positive difference in the world, this award celebrates companies that exemplify excellence in corporate citizenship and embody the values of compassion, generosity, and purpose-driven leadership.
Small Business Category:
Carmel Christkindlmarkt
Carmel Christkindlmarkt, a celebrated cultural event and non-profit organization in Carmel, Indiana, has significantly enriched its community by fostering education, cultural heritage, and local development. Drawing over 400,000 visitors annually, the Christkindlmarkt provides immersive experiences in German culture, including educational tours, artisan demonstrations, and engaging community partnerships. Their initiatives, such as hosting local students and the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, have ignited interest in cultural studies, language learning, and international exploration among youth, leading to increased cultural awareness and community involvement.
The organization also demonstrates remarkable commitment to sustainability and local economic growth. Initiatives like their recycling and composting programs have successfully diverted significant waste from landfills, showcasing their environmental dedication. Carmel Christkindlmarkt's community partnerships, such as collaborations with local schools, the City of Carmel, and various civic organizations, underscore their strategy to sustain and expand the impact of their cultural and educational programming year-round, ultimately bolstering the local economy and fostering a sense of community pride and connectedness.
Dealers Wholesale
Dealers Wholesale, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, has been an influential force within the community through targeted philanthropic efforts aimed at addressing environmental sustainability, alleviating poverty, and promoting community development. Notably, their annual meal packing event, in partnership with Packaway Hunger, has distributed over 40,000 meals to combat local hunger, with an ambitious goal of reaching 100,000 meals by 2027. Their commitment extends to direct support of community shelters, exemplified by significant improvements made at the Dayspring Center, including new security infrastructure, refurbished living spaces, and resources for their children’s programs.
Employee engagement is integral to Dealers Wholesale's impact strategy. Staff enthusiastically participate in community activities, such as clothing drives for veterans, coat drives, and holiday gift initiatives like the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program. By repurposing building materials through Habitat for Humanity donations, they effectively support housing initiatives. Dealers Wholesale's clear strategic vision, coupled with strong internal participation, ensures sustainable growth and ongoing community involvement
Hays+Sons
Hays+Sons, an Indianapolis-based restoration company, is deeply committed to serving local communities through impactful service initiatives and generous philanthropy. Each of their office locations actively engages in community projects tailored to specific local needs, including beautifying public spaces, volunteering at animal shelters, creating hygiene kits for domestic violence survivors, and supporting food banks. In 2024, Hays+Sons significantly contributed $100,000 to various non-profits and raised an additional $55,000 for Make-A-Wish, showcasing their dedication to making meaningful differences across multiple community sectors.
The company's strong culture of service is driven by their internal "Culture Crew," composed of employees from all areas of the organization. This team organizes numerous volunteer opportunities during working hours, maximizing employee involvement and impact. Hays+Sons also emphasizes ongoing commitment by partnering with Providence Cristo Rey High School to provide valuable work-study experiences for students, blending philanthropy with education. Through strategic planning and budgeting, Hays+Sons ensures sustainable support and growth of their community initiatives, making it simple and inspiring for employees to contribute positively to their community.
Insurance Management Group
Insurance Management Group (IMG), established in 1875 and headquartered in Marion, Indiana, remains deeply rooted in family and community values despite significant statewide growth. IMG emphasizes collective service, organizing annual volunteer weeks where employees actively support local non-profits such as Boys and Girls Club, Firefly Children & Family Alliance, and Grant County Rescue Mission. These efforts significantly relieve operational burdens for partner organizations, allowing them to concentrate more fully on their primary missions.
One of IMG’s standout initiatives includes leading a Million Meals Movement event, successfully collaborating with other local businesses to package over 42,500 meals for food-insecure families across Indiana. Employees actively engage and even initiate community outreach, demonstrating a profound commitment to community welfare. By fostering ongoing partnerships and ensuring thorough support for non-profits, IMG maintains a sustainable and impactful approach, ensuring lasting contributions to the communities they serve.
JA Benefits
JA Benefits, LLC, based in Bedford, Indiana, actively contributes to its local community through focused philanthropic initiatives. Their annual JA's Community Strong Kids Christmas shopping event exemplifies their dedication, ensuring that 30 local children experience joy during the holiday season by providing gifts and essential items. Additionally, their $600 donation to Lawrence County Patient Services underscores their commitment to local health and wellness, supporting essential healthcare-related expenses for community members in need.
Employee engagement is at the heart of JA Benefits' community efforts. Through active participation in events like Hoosiers Outrun Cancer and the Walk to End Alzheimer's, their team members significantly contribute to raising awareness and supporting vital causes. JA Benefits further fosters employee involvement through its innovative Elevate program, incentivizing volunteerism and philanthropy. Employees are encouraged to take leadership roles in community organizations, ensuring ongoing and sustainable support to local initiatives and reinforcing JA Benefits’ core value of social responsibility.
Marion Design Co.
Marion Design Co., situated in Marion, Indiana, is a collaborative creative firm passionately dedicated to enhancing local community vitality through design, arts, and culture. They play a pivotal role in downtown revitalization efforts, exemplified by their pro bono contributions to the Kennedy Art Center renovation, turning a neglected space into a thriving cultural hub visited by over 1,200 people annually. Their initiatives, including the SLŌ Supper events and curated art exhibitions, significantly boost community engagement, celebrate local talent, and encourage economic growth in Marion.
Employees of Marion Design Co. actively lead and participate in numerous community enrichment projects, from organizing local clean-up drives like Tidy Tuesday to hosting inclusive cultural events and art classes. They champion local artists and diverse voices, notably through exhibits exploring social justice themes. The company's philanthropic commitment, coupled with strategic financial growth and employee empowerment, ensures sustainable and long-term success of their initiatives, consistently fostering Marion's cultural and economic rejuvenation.
Premium Service Brands: Kids-Lift
Premium Service Brands: Kids-Lift, based in Charlottesville, Virginia, is deeply committed to empowering youth and supporting local schools and food pantries. Through consistent volunteer efforts, the organization dedicates hundreds of hours annually to reading programs, assisting teachers, improving school environments, and maintaining community spaces. Their targeted initiatives include regular donations and hands-on support for community food pantries, providing essential meals and snacks during school breaks and holiday seasons.
Employee engagement is at the heart of Kids-Lift’s community impact. Their team actively participates in monthly literacy events at elementary schools, supports special needs education through facility improvements, and organizes food and game distributions for families during holiday breaks. Kids-Lift’s approach to community service is integrated into their corporate culture, with ongoing employee-driven volunteer activities ensuring sustained and meaningful contributions to youth and community well-being.
PuroClean
PuroClean, headquartered in Tamarac, Florida, demonstrates significant community impact through their robust initiative, PuroClean Cares®. With structured campaigns such as Adopt-A-Classroom, National Superhero Day, and the Season of Giving, PuroClean empowers franchise owners nationwide to actively contribute to their local communities. Notably, Adopt-A-Classroom provided critical classroom supplies and STEM resources to schools, directly benefiting educators and students, while National Superhero Day honored first responders with recognition events and care packages.
PuroClean further supports military veterans through the ProVet Program, assisting veterans in transitioning into successful franchise ownership, thereby fostering community leadership and job creation. Employee involvement at the Home Office includes substantial volunteer efforts, from organizing community events to direct hands-on contributions, reinforcing PuroClean’s culture of sustained community engagement. With comprehensive strategies including detailed campaign playbooks, ongoing webinars, and consistent communication, PuroClean ensures the long-term success and sustainability of their community-driven initiatives.
S3 Recycling Solutions
S3 Recycling Solutions, based in Springfield, Tennessee, is a purpose-driven technology company dedicated to environmental sustainability and community uplift. Through initiatives such as donating laptops and electronics to underserved individuals, S3 empowers youth and supports education and career development. The company also mobilizes volunteer efforts to respond to natural disasters, organize food drives, and provide critical supplies to communities in need—demonstrating a commitment to both immediate relief and long-term well-being.
At the heart of S3’s impact are its employees, who actively lead and engage in community initiatives during work hours. From disaster relief and food drives to organizing Christmas donations for local families, employees are empowered to take ownership of projects and foster partnerships with local organizations. S3's culture of collaboration and volunteerism, anchored by a strategic planning approach, ensures the sustainability of its impact efforts and continues to build inclusive, resilient communities.
Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission
Seattle's Union Gospel Mission has served the greater Seattle community for over 90 years with comprehensive, life-restoring services that address homelessness, addiction, and poverty. In 2023 alone, they provided more than 368,000 meals, nearly 129,000 nights of safe shelter, and over 10,000 counseling and case management sessions. The Mission’s recovery program has shown exceptional success, with around 70% of its graduates engaged in work or school two years post-program, illustrating the organization’s long-term impact on breaking cycles of homelessness.
Mission employees are actively involved in delivering direct support to those in need—from providing meals and outreach through Search + Rescue vans to leading Bible studies and spiritual services, which saw over 46,000 attendances in 2023. The Mission ensures long-term sustainability through efforts like its annual Catalyst event, which raised a record-breaking $1.3 million in 2024, and Project Cornerstone—a ten-year strategic plan to expand services. These initiatives exemplify the Mission’s unwavering commitment to transforming lives and communities through hope, compassion, and sustainable support.
SPF Mgmt Co. dba RNR Tire Express
RNR Tire Express, based in Tampa, Florida, demonstrates an unwavering commitment to community engagement through its SERVE philosophy, positively impacting lives across 30 states. One of their hallmark initiatives, Serve Day, unites team members nationwide in hands-on community service, resulting in tangible projects such as building food pantries and distributing care packages to those experiencing homelessness. Their annual Back-to-School Giveaway has empowered thousands of students by providing over 10,000 backpacks filled with essential supplies, while their response to crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, included job retention measures and support for frontline workers.
Employees at RNR Tire Express are deeply engaged in service at every level. From participating in charitable events like National Rescue Dog Day to contributing professional skills through marketing support for nonprofits, team members are encouraged to lead and innovate community initiatives. The company invests over $1.5 million annually in community programs and fosters a culture of service with strategic planning, ongoing assessments, leadership involvement, and sustainable partnerships. Their dedication to lasting impact ensures their efforts continue to evolve and uplift communities across the country.
Wiley Metal Fabricating
Wiley Metal Fabricating, a family-owned manufacturing company based in Marion, Indiana, has been deeply embedded in its community for over 40 years. In 2024, the company supported a variety of local nonprofits and service initiatives, including events with the Humane Society, Grant County Cancer Coalition, and the Boys & Girls Club, where they hosted a Christmas party for over 125 children. Through their support of Thriving Grant County’s monthly “Food Court,” Wiley employees help deliver more than 80 meals each month to families in need. Their innovative "Watch Us Academy" with Mississinewa High School offers juniors and seniors hands-on experience in manufacturing, culminating in community projects such as a custom metal archway for a local zoo.
Wiley Metal empowers its employees to lead and participate in service, with a significant increase in volunteer hours—1,344 hours logged in 2024 by 79 team members. From delivering meals and mentoring interns to organizing donation drives, employees are integral to the company's impact strategy. Their Culture Team and Emerging Leaders Program, created in partnership with Culture of Good, ensure that service and leadership development remain central to their identity. These initiatives build internal culture while creating lasting change in the community, exemplifying how Wiley Metal leads with heart and purpose.
Scrum Alliance
Scrum Alliance, headquartered in Westminster, Colorado, is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing agile education and empowering changemakers through impactful community engagement. In 2024, they contributed over $1,700 to organizations such as Stop Soldier Suicide and Little Essentials, donated over 25 technology items including laptops and a robot to students, and provided $2,000 in materials to Habitat for Humanity. Their initiatives also include supporting diversity in agile through partnerships with Women in Agile and Agile in Color, while their events offer accessibility features and promote inclusivity through sessions on neurodiversity.
Scrum Alliance fosters a remote-first, highly engaged culture where employees actively participate in Earth Day environmental initiatives, matched donation campaigns, and community impact ideation. Their strategy focuses on formalizing volunteerism, increasing inclusivity, and providing scalable programs like global trainer inclusion training. By aligning impact efforts with core values, empowering staff input, and maintaining a focus on measurable outcomes, Scrum Alliance ensures their initiatives are both sustainable and deeply connected to their mission of fostering education, empowerment, and equity in the agile space and beyond.
Medium Business Category:
Appfire
Appfire, a technology company based in Burlington, Massachusetts, has significantly shaped communities globally through its robust corporate social responsibility program, "Appfire Town." Established in 2022, Appfire Town empowers employees, partners, customers, and community members to actively engage in initiatives that resonate with their personal passions. This inclusive and grassroots approach has enabled Appfire to support over 1,135 organizations across 17 countries, contributing more than 4,455 volunteer hours and donating upwards of $570,000 in 2024 alone.
With an exceptional team engagement rate of nearly 79%, Appfire's community impact initiatives have included hosting the inaugural Global Compassion Day aligned with Giving Tuesday. This event featured over 1,000 hours of volunteer service globally and involved impactful activities such as accessibility mapping with wheelmap.org. Through strategic partnerships and empowering individual initiative, Appfire ensures sustainable, meaningful contributions that inspire ongoing community involvement and promote lasting social change.
EDB
EDB, headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts, has made significant strides in environmental conservation and open-source technological innovation. A global leader in PostgreSQL database technology, EDB actively supports environmental sustainability through strategic partnerships such as MERMAID, an initiative of the Wildlife Conservation Society, which focuses on coral reef conservation in 44 countries. Their contributions streamline critical conservation workflows, greatly enhancing productivity and global marine protection efforts.
EDB further demonstrates its commitment through its sponsorship of over 150 orphaned elephants with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, involving employees directly in conservation initiatives. Their technological contributions also drive environmental progress; EDB's solutions have notably supported the USDA Forest Service in managing 600 million acres of forestland efficiently, significantly enhancing operational performance while reducing costs. By aligning their technological expertise with environmental sustainability, EDB fosters employee engagement and leads meaningful global conservation efforts.
Lucas Oil
Lucas Oil, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, demonstrates a deep-seated commitment to community development and welfare, inspired by the philanthropic legacy of founders Forrest and Charlotte Lucas. Their impactful contributions include partnerships addressing food insecurity, notably supporting Thy Kingdom Crumb with 7,000 free meals provided since 2021, and assisting veteran organizations such as HVAF of Indiana and the Salvation Army. Additionally, Lucas Oil has committed significant resources, including $1,165,000, towards the creation of the National Medal of Honor Museum and Monument to honor U.S. military heroes.
Employee engagement is central to Lucas Oil's impact initiatives. Their workforce actively participates in community programs like the Lucas Oil Eric Medlen Memorial Golf Tournament, which has raised over $1.88 million for Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital and Ascension St. Vincent. Employees regularly volunteer with organizations such as Wheeler Mission, Gleaners Food Bank, and Big Brothers Big Sisters, showcasing their dedication to local well-being. Lucas Oil strategically ensures the sustainability of these efforts through a substantial annual philanthropy budget, focused partnerships, and ongoing community leadership, underscoring their enduring commitment to making a positive impact.
Stash Ventures LLC
Stash Ventures LLC, a Michigan-based retail company, embodies a deep commitment to social responsibility and community giving through its philanthropic arm, the Higher Hopes Foundation. In 2024 alone, the company donated over $91,000 through quarterly local nonprofit partnerships and cause-driven products. Each quarter, retail locations contribute to a specific cause—ranging from mental health and LGBTQ+ advocacy to food insecurity, animal welfare, and cancer awareness. These efforts include supporting organizations such as Great Lakes Bay Pride, 92For22 for veterans’ mental health, The Michigan Blood Cancer Foundation, and Angels of Hope. Their OUR IMPACT events bring teams and communities together, like their partnership with Hope Network for suicide prevention training.
Employees are encouraged to lead with purpose, supported by 16 hours of paid volunteer time annually. Team members participate in a variety of service projects—from Arbor Day environmental cleanups to soup kitchen volunteering and distributing care kits to unhoused individuals. Stash ensures long-term impact by integrating philanthropy into their business model, maintaining quarterly cause-driven campaigns, and fostering strong community ties at every retail location. Their sustainable approach positions them as a retail company where giving back is not just encouraged—it’s embedded in their identity.
Telamon
Telamon, a telecommunications company based in Fishers, Indiana, fosters meaningful community impact through its Telamon Foundation and direct employee involvement. With a strong focus on education, food insecurity, and community development, Telamon partners with local organizations such as Providence Cristo Rey High School to mentor student interns and KIPP Indy Public Schools to support students with hands-on classroom assistance. Their long-standing partnership with United Way has contributed over $500,000 across multiple communities, exemplifying their commitment to health and human services.
In 2024, Telamon launched its inaugural April "Month of Caring," mobilizing employees nationwide around food insecurity initiatives. Staff volunteered with Gleaners Food Bank, The Sharing Place Food Pantry, and similar organizations across their U.S. locations. Plans are in place to expand this initiative globally in 2025. Employees are also actively involved in mentoring, participating in holiday service projects, and leading grassroots impact efforts. With a focus on intentional giving, consistent partnerships, and employee engagement, Telamon ensures their community efforts are impactful, sustainable, and aligned with their purpose: to cultivate deeper connections and be a load-bearing support across generations.
Large Business Category:
IU Health
IU Health, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, has been a cornerstone of community well-being since its founding in 1905. With extensive programs ranging from large-scale initiatives like the $200 million Community Impact Investment Fund (CIIF), which addresses key social determinants of health, to the Indy Health District project investing $500 million in neighborhood revitalization, IU Health demonstrates significant commitment to improving community health, education, employment, and quality of life.
Employees actively engage in IU Health’s mission, volunteering over 10,000 hours annually in various programs like the annual Days of Service, VolunteerMatch initiatives, and community education sponsorships, such as the 500 Festival Education Program and Mini-Marathon. IU Health also emphasizes sustainability and environmental responsibility through significant energy efficiency efforts, resulting in substantial reductions in carbon emissions. By integrating community-focused philanthropy, strategic corporate partnerships, and robust sustainability practices, IU Health consistently fosters long-term positive change, enhancing health and wellness across Indiana.
Riverview Health
Riverview Health, a county-owned hospital located in Noblesville, Indiana, has a profound impact on community health through extensive outreach initiatives, healthcare infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships. Dedicated to enhancing public wellness, Riverview Health offers accessible fitness classes, educational seminars, and support groups, equipping residents of Hamilton County with vital health information and resources. Their strategic expansion in 2024, including opening Azure Plastic Surgery & Med Spa and additional primary care facilities, significantly enhanced healthcare availability and quality within the community.
Employee engagement is central to Riverview Health's community initiatives. Staff actively participate in volunteer efforts, including local health awareness campaigns, donation drives, and charitable events such as the "Christmas Tree Decorating Contest" and the Angel Tree initiative. Riverview Health's commitment to sustainable community health is further solidified through technology integration like telehealth and robust employee education programs. By focusing on preventive care, early intervention, and health education, Riverview Health ensures continuous improvement in community wellness, fostering a culture deeply committed to social responsibility and community service.
Toyota Material Handling
Toyota Material Handling (TMH), headquartered in Columbus, Indiana, champions community engagement through robust corporate initiatives and strategic partnerships. Their flagship collaboration with the American Red Cross enhances disaster response across North America by supplying critical material handling equipment. In 2024, TMH extended its reach through the annual "Lift the Community Day," mobilizing over 300 associates who volunteered more than 2,348 hours supporting food distribution, health programs, and shelter services. TMH also empowered its dealer network to broaden the impact to 11 additional states, further strengthening their philanthropic footprint.
Employees at TMH are central to these initiatives, benefiting from 16 paid volunteer hours annually and a workplace culture that fosters service from day one. Engagement begins during onboarding and continues through projects tailored to associates’ passions, from environmental cleanups to mentoring youth. With data-driven evaluation, strategic alignment to the Toyota Way, and sustainable partnerships with groups like Girls Inc., TMH ensures long-term impact. Their efforts reflect a deep, ongoing investment in creating resilient, thriving communities across North America, embodying their mission to lift people, organizations, and society as a whole.