Every year, Buckingham Foundation strives to make a difference in the communities in which Buckingham Companies has a presence. For the past 10 years, Buckingham Foundation has been doing just that. Starting out as a small foundation created by Brad Chambers, Buckingham Companies’ CEO, Buckingham Foundation has now grown into an impactful nonprofit focused on improving lives across the Midwest.
In 2006, Chambers established a foundation as a way for his family to give back to the community that had given him so much. With humble beginnings, the Foundation fully evolved in 2011 with the hiring of the executive director, Theresa Rhodes. Adding Rhodes to the team paved the way for the Foundation to increase company involvement, distribute more grants, manage specific properties, and structure a meaningful volunteer program as well.
A short five years later, Buckingham Foundation has granted $2 million to more than 250 nonprofits in the greater Indianapolis area. There is only one number that we’re more proud of than that – since 2011 Buckingham employees have served more than 25,000 volunteer hours at various organizations.
“Buckingham Foundation is an important component for Buckingham employees because it opens a door for them to give back and be engaged in the community” stressed Rhodes. “Community involvement continues to be a core value for Buckingham Companies and we are proud of our partnership, which benefits both organizations and the communities we serve.”
To celebrate the 10th Anniversary, Buckingham Foundation recently announced a $1 million grant to the Irsay Family YMCA at CityWay to enhance wellness, leadership development, and youth initiatives within the Indianapolis community. The CityWay neighborhood was a dream vision for Chambers and Buckingham Companies, and The Irsay Family YMCA is the final piece of the puzzle to create a true sense of community within CityWay.
Buckingham Foundation has focused their initiatives on fighting childhood hunger, managing Foundation owned properties, and supporting home ownership programs. Examples of this include the popular <3INDY shirts that has raised more than $40,000 in the fight against hunger, the Buckingham Food Pantry for students and families on Indianapolis’ eastside, and Stonybrook Commons, a Buckingham Foundation property that works in collaboration with the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership to help residents work towards owning their own home.
“Buckingham Foundation is dedicated to building meaningful charitable partnerships and creating volunteer experiences for employees and residents. We strive to initiate positive change in the area of affordable housing, community and economic development, arts and culture, and childhood hunger,” says Becca Manolov, director of community relations for the Buckingham Foundation. “My goal is to create seamless, impactful, and fun experiences for Buckingham employees and residents in Foundation initiatives.”
Buckingham Foundation would not be what it is today if it weren’t for the dedication of the Chambers family, Buckingham employees and Buckingham Companies. By providing designated volunteer hours each year for employees and company donation initiatives, the Foundation is able to raise more money, awareness, and volunteer hours for each program.
“We set out to change the landscape of neighborhoods through quality real estate development. It’s always been our goal to improve the communities that we operate in, but to be able to give back directly to each one is what’s most important to us,” says Chambers.
We’re excited to see the success of the Foundation these past 10 years, and what’s to come the next 10. Be sure to follow us on social media to stay in the loop for all things related to Buckingham Foundation. Inspired to give? Head over to our website to donate today.
