Joy in Childhood Foundation

Overview

The Joy in Childhood Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2006. It is powered by Dunkin' and the generosity of its franchisees, partners, and employees. The foundation's mission is to provide the simple joys of childhood to kids struggling with hunger or illness across the United States.

Mission

The foundation focuses on supporting organizations that help children facing hunger or illness by providing grants to national and local nonprofits. It partners with food banks, food pantries, children's hospitals, and other organizations that serve kids and their families directly.

Programs and Impact

The foundation supports two primary areas:

• Hunger Relief: Partners with food banks and pantries to ensure children do not have to worry about their next meal.
• Healthcare and Joy: Collaborates with children's hospitals to create joyful environments and experiences for children battling illness.

In recent years, the foundation has awarded millions in grants annually. For instance, it distributed over $9.5 million in grants in one year, impacting more than 2 million children. The grants are largely funded through contributions from Dunkin' franchisees, customers, and other supporters.

Signature Programs

The foundation offers several signature programs, including Joy in Action, which involves thousands of volunteer hours from Dunkin' team members and franchisees. Additionally, it supports initiatives like Dogs for Joy, which helps bring facility dogs into children's hospitals, and Teen Prom Program, which funds special events for pediatric patients.

Financial Overview

As a nonprofit, the foundation relies heavily on contributions, which make up the majority of its revenue. It has no executive compensation and minimal other expenses, ensuring that most of its funds go directly towards grant-making activities.

History and Growth

Since its inception, the Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted over $60 million to support hundreds of national and local charities across the United States. This substantial impact is a testament to the enduring commitment of Dunkin' and its stakeholders to giving back to communities nationwide.

[1] https://joyinchildhoodfoundation.org [2] https://joyinchildhoodfoundation.org/about/ [3] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/260593784 [4] https://urbancny.com/2024-impact-dunkin-joy-in-childhood-foundation-distributes-more-than-3-million-to-support-100-nonprofit-organizations-operating-across-northeast-region/ [5] https://joyinchildhoodfoundation.org/about/faq/