Healing the Planet Grant Program

Origins:

Since 2021, the Healing the Planet grant program – a partnership between The GIANT Company and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful – has awarded more than $1.2 million to 142 recipients for projects connecting communities to green spaces, improved or helped to protect local waterways and water resources, and supported projects that addressed food waste prevention, reduction and recovery. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is a state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and supports community improvement initiatives and encourages community leadership, responsibility, and a respect for the environment.

Contribution:

In 2024, these community improvement grants were focused on supporting native tree planting projects across Pennsylvania. Applications for the 2024 program opened in June 2024 and were due by July 1, 2024. Eligible expenses included but were not limited to trees native to Pennsylvania, equipment, tree signage, tools, and supplies. Preference was given to applicants that aimed to plant the highest number of trees. In August 2024, a total of $104,765 was awarded to 31 recipient organizations and their shovel-ready projects. Organizations included both nonprofits and municipalities.

Objectives:

As part of The GIANT Company’s healing the planet initiative, the company is committed to plastic bag recycling and plastic reduction efforts, zero-waste initiatives, energy-efficient fixtures in-stores, and sustainably sourced seafood, coffee and tea. The Healing the Planet grant program is an opportunity to support community partners with their environmentally friendly projects throughout Pennsylvania where The GIANT Company operates

Impact:

Through the work of the 31 Healing the Planet grant recipients, more than 3,000 new trees were planted in 2024 to help absorb carbon pollution and improve the quality of air we breathe. According to Keep PA Beautiful, the return on investment was $6 for every $1 donated by The GIANT Company. Comments from grant recipients included: “We are very grateful for this grant and how it brought our community together. We planted 1.4 acres of a Native Plant Community Food Forest thanks to this grant! It is one of 70 in the nation of its kind! It will educate thousands of people and feed generations to come."

~ Jordan Sesame Wild, Project Director and President of Wild Ones Pennsylvania Ridge and Valley Chapter.

"We are grateful for the Giant Company and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful for supporting this collaborative tree planting effort in the City of Lancaster which brought together so many amazing community partners for the greater good of McCaskey High School and its surrounding community."

~ Brenda Sieglitz, Director of Major Giving, Pennsylvania The 2024 Healing the Planet grant program received 56 media clips, resulting in approximately 6.4 million potential impressions

Quote:

“When it comes to healing our planet, no matter how big or small a project may be, it can make a difference,” said John Ruane, president, The GIANT Company. “There are many benefits of a healthy tree canopy, from absorbing carbon pollution and watershed protection to improving the quality of the air we breathe. Through our latest Healing the Planet grant program focus, we were able to increase the number of trees across Pennsylvania, which will impact our environment for future generations.”

Support Statement:

“Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is excited to offer funds to help communities across Pennsylvania plant native trees. Beautifying communities tends to reduce littering and other illegal behaviors, making it a better place for all residents and providing a foundation for community and economic development,” said Shannon Reiter, president, Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful. “We are honored to continue our partnership with The GIANT Company. We also want to thank all of you who ‘rounded up’ at the register. Your generosity will directly impact your local community.”