The GVTC Foundation, the philanthropic arm of GVTC Communications, is dedicated to building and supporting stronger communities throughout the GVTC service area. Thanksgiving Give Back is the GVTC Foundation’s biggest project of the year. When this project was initiated, the vision was to provide a meal to neighbors experiencing hardship, with the hope that they would place their worries aside for the day and enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal with their families.

Families are selected by local food pantries, and through partnerships with youth groups, community organizations, schools, churches, and individuals, The GVTC Foundation works to collect food items and monetary donations. GVTC employees and their families then package and personally deliver the meals. Since its launch, the Thanksgiving Give Back Project has helped over 2,736 families.

The GVTC Foundation is 100% operated by GVTC employee volunteers, with support and contributions coming from donors, employees, and the GVTC company. Key figures to know about the GVTC Foundation:  $0.96 of every dollar donated is distributed to the community; 87% of employees donate through payroll deduction; 100% of the GVTC Board of Directors contribute; and more than 11% of customers participate in the Foundation through the Round up for Change program. Since 2006, The GVTC Foundation has given back over $5.5 million to local nonprofits in its service areas.

The Foundation also promotes positive change through grants, scholarships, and volunteering. Grants are awarded in five key areas:  health and human services, youth programs, volunteer emergency services, education, and cultural programs.  Additionally, each year the Foundation distributes up to $47,500 in scholarships to high school seniors in pursuit of higher education.