United Way of Larimer County (UWLC) is excited to celebrate 2022 Cornerstone Partner, Nutrien, as part of a year-long series highlighting companies giving back in our community. Our Cornerstone Partners directly support critical day-to-day operations at UWLC, ensuring that 94% of all donor-designated gifts go directly to support local nonprofit programs. Nutrien is a Longs Peak Cornerstone Partner dedicated to supporting UWLC and the Larimer County community. Learn more about our Cornerstone Partner program here.
Every April, United Way of Larimer County celebrates local volunteers and nonprofits during National Volunteer Month. The nationwide volunteer initiative highlights the work of committed volunteers in our communities and local nonprofit volunteer needs. This year, United Way of Larimer County turned to corporate partner, Nutrien, to learn more about their approach to volunteerism and celebrate their commitment to the community.
Nutrien is the “world’s largest provider of crop inputs, services, and solutions.” As the company states, the organization, “plays a critical role in feeding the future by helping growers to increase food production in a sustainable manner.” The company is committed to local communities, sustainability, and inclusion.
United Way of Larimer County is consistently impressed with Nutrien’s commitment to promoting employee inclusion and engagement through volunteerism. Nutrien Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) regularly volunteer in the community to strengthen relationships with each other and build capacity at local nonprofits.
Nutrien strives to meaningfully contribute to the communities globally and locally where we operate. We collaborate with community partners who share our values and approach.
What drives Nutrien’s commitment to community impact and giving?
Nutrien: Nutrien strives to meaningfully contribute to the communities globally and locally where we operate. We collaborate with community partners who share our values and approach. Nutrien supports community initiatives that are aligned with our three Focus Areas: Sustainable Agriculture, Environmental Footprint, and Diversity and Inclusive Growth.
Nutrien is known for having active Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). How do ERGs contribute to Nutrien’s company culture and further Nutrien’s community impact goals?
Nutrien: Nutrien’s Employee Resource Groups are voluntary, employee-led Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I) efforts designed to serve under-represented employee groups and allies. They work to help create a more inclusive workplace. ERGs offer valuable insights on identifying and removing barriers and biases and support efforts to attract, develop and engage top talent. ERGs provide opportunities for employees to develop and showcase their skills, network outside of their functional area, receive mentorship and become known within the organization. In addition, they support community engagement through a variety of efforts.
How does Nutrien encourage Employee Resource Groups to get involved in the community?
(For example, offering Volunteer Time Off, sponsoring all-staff volunteer days, participating in United Way giving campaign, etc.)
Nutrien: Nutrien’s Employee Volunteer Program allows eligible employees to spend up to three days per year volunteering, during work hours, for a charity or non-profit. ERGs support the community through volunteering, joining our talent attraction team at career fairs and other community events, and working with agencies that align with their mission.
How do Nutrien employees benefit from volunteering and giving back?
Nutrien: Through our Matching Gift and Employee Volunteer programs, our employees are empowered to give back to the causes they care about most and apply Nutrien’s purpose – to grow our world from the ground up – from a personal lens. Volunteering is linked to many personal and mental health benefits as well – including increased self-esteem and motivation, a stronger social network and reduced stress. Through authentic and collaborative community engagement, we’re proud to contribute to the growth of strong and healthy communities where our employees live and work.
What suggestions does Nutrien have for other companies hoping to use Employee Resource Groups to promote corporate community impact (volunteerism, giving, etc.?)
Nutrien: Our employees are our greatest asset. Our ERGs provide a window into what our employees care about. When we allow members of our ERGs to get involved and support their communities, we show how big a difference we can make. We all have a role to play in supporting inclusion.
When asked about his work with Nutrien, UWLC Senior Corporate Engagement Manager, Scott Hapner, said, “Nutrien employees are amazingly generous with their time and their passion in support of the Northern Colorado community. Nutrien consistently shows up in the community, supporting local families, schools, and children. Nutrien understands the power of impact, and how every dollar and volunteer hour can make a difference in someone else’s life.”
United Way of Larimer County is grateful for Nutrien’s commitment to inclusion and efforts to give back to the community. We look forward to many more years of partnership to ensure that gifts of time, talent, and treasure meet today’s greatest needs— and tomorrow’s. Thank you, Nutrien!
Interested in learning more? Continue reading about Nutrien’s commitment to Employee Resource Groups, volunteerism, and diversity, equity, and inclusion on their website.
United Way of Larimer County’s Cornerstone Program underwrites our management and general costs so that your dollars can have the most impact in our community. Learn more about our Cornerstone Partner program here.
