PMMI created the PACK GIVES BACK Foundation, a $6 million endowed 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to match member charitable donations up to $25,000 annually and return value to members while supporting causes important to their communities and employees.
- $6 million endowment dedicated to funding the foundation for at least 20 years
- Matching program: PACK GIVES BACK matches member charitable donations up to $25,000 per year
- Independent governance: Separate board reviews and votes on all applications to ensure accountability and structure
- Direct impact: Matching funds go directly to charitable organizations, multiplying the good members do in their communities
- How to apply: Submit application with charity name and donation proof at packgivesbackfoundation.org
Every year, PMMI is asked to support charitable causes, and we respond to needs inside and outside our industry, supporting communities, charities, and relief efforts. Over the years, we’ve given generously, and I’m proud of that. This fall, we formalized that commitment with the launch of the PACK GIVES BACK Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to causes important to PMMI members. Approved and funded by the PMMI Board of Directors, the foundation is now accepting member requests for matching contributions and direct charitable donations.
I’d like to briefly explain why we built it.
Reason one: We wanted to give back to our members.
PMMI is in a strong financial position. Thanks to the success of the PACK EXPO portfolio and the support of our members, we’ve built a healthy reserve. A for-profit company in our position might pay a dividend or issue a rebate. As a nonprofit, we can’t do either. So, if we can’t send the money back directly, how do we put it to work for the people who made it possible?
The answer was to back the causes our members care about. When a member company donates to a charity that matters to its employees or community, PACK GIVES BACK will match it. It returns value to our members and multiplies the good they’re doing.
Reason two: Giving should follow a process, and members should drive it.
The second reason matters just as much. In the past, our giving was largely staff-driven, decided request by request. With the PACK GIVES BACK Foundation, members bring the causes forward, and a defined process decides what gets funded.
That process includes its own governance. The PACK GIVES BACK Board is separate from and independent of the PMMI Board, and it votes on every request. Our giving now has structure, accountability, and a clear path from application to approval.
How it works
The mechanics are simple by design:
- PACK GIVES BACK will match a member’s charitable donation up to $25,000 per year.
- The member submits an application listing the organization and the donation amount, along with proof of the donation.
- The matching funds go directly to the charitable organization, never to the member company or to an individual.
- The PACK GIVES BACK Board reviews and votes on each application.
Built to last
This isn’t a one-year gesture. The PMMI Board has moved $6 million into a separate investment account dedicated to funding the PACK GIVES BACK Foundation, enough to sustain the program for at least 20 years.
I’m also pleased that the PACK GIVES BACK name, which many of you know from our fundraising events at PACK EXPO, now represents a lasting commitment to the communities where our members live and work.
If your company supports a cause that matters to your team, I encourage you to apply. You’ll find the details, eligibility, and application at packgivesbackfoundation.org.
Our members have always been generous with their time, expertise, and support of this industry. Now PMMI gets to be generous right alongside you. ν
Jim Pittas is the President & CEO of PMMI. He may be reached at [email protected] or at linkedin.com/in/
jimpittas.
