In 2024, giving back to the community is more important than ever, but finding ways to successfully make an impact can be difficult.
The Joy in Childhood foundation, powered by Dunkin’, has managed not only to give back locally but to spread their reach nationwide.
Between offering grants and setting up volunteer events, the Joy in Childhood foundation has impacted millions of children nationwide, providing resources to kids battling sickness or hunger.
The Joy in Childhood foundation was founded as an independent 501(c)3 organization in 2006. What began as a humble effort has grown into a national program, embodying the spirit of philanthropy within the Boston area and beyond.
Although they are an independent organization, the Joy in Childhood foundation works in affiliation with Dunkin,’ which provides partnerships with local stores across the country.
“As a Dunkin’ franchisee, it’s very important to give back, especially in our own communities,” said Victor Carvalho, the foundation’s president.
“There’s no better feeling than putting a smile on the face of a kid who is struggling.” Carvalho hopes that someday the kids they help will be inspired by their work to give back to their own communities in turn.
Carvalho’s jump from franchisee to philanthropist has been incredibly successful; in 2023, the foundation raised $16 million to be used for their signature grant programs.
These grants go to food banks, school food programs, hospitals, and community health centers nationwide, providing crucial support for organizations helping children and families dealing with sickness and hunger.
When asked how they choose which organizations receive grant funding, Carvalho noted that the foundation chooses organizations that they know will use the money to support the community, and that they make an effort to expand their reach by awarding grants to organizations across the country; for example, Carvalho mentioned a food bank in San Diego who was a recipient of one of the foundation’s grants after the floods.
“Of course, we want to serve our own community in the Boston area, but we also want to spread our reach across the country,” he said.
There is no doubt that the support for these organizations is necessary now more than ever. “What we’re seeing is that since the pandemic, our grant applications have increased yearly. There’s definitely a growing need for us to step in where we can,” Carvalho said.
Although the growing need is notable, the foundation has been able to provide continued support, and to expand their team of volunteers at the same time.
“Back in 2014, we used to do one week of volunteer events,” he said. “With the involvement we’ve had, we’ve made it into a month-long event.”
Joy in Childhood’s volunteer events are different from those in which a company might go volunteer at a food bank for a day—“Here, you may be standing next to a franchisee or a director of operations and you’re all just team members.”
Organizing these volunteer events is not only a way to give back to the community but fosters a spirit of collaboration and support among team members at all levels.
These events also allow volunteers to see the impact of their efforts in real time. The foundation was able to award over 600 grants across the country in 2023, but to be able to be personally involved in the process is a valuable experience for team members as well as the children and families they are helping.
Dunkin’s Joy in Childhood foundation aims to continue to provide these services for as long as there is a need for them. Looking ahead, their goal is to continue growing the foundation, increasing their philanthropic reach, and amplifying their impact on communities across the nation.
“Of course, we would love it if we could get to the point where no child in the country needed the support of our foundation,” Carvalho said.
“But as long as they are, we intend to continue to provide our support.”
Organizations looking to apply for grants and corporations interested in partnering with Dunkin’s Joy in Childhood foundation can do so at Joy In Childhood Foundation’s website.
