PNC staff believe it's never too early to invest in a child's future. In 2004, PNC employees launched Grow Up Great, a $500 million initiative that prepares children from birth through age 5 in underserved communities for success in school and life. It has supported more than 10 million children across 22 states and Washington, D.C.
The PNC Foundation, with funding from PNC Financial Services Group, supports organizations in 28 states where PNC has a significant presence. PNC Regional President Brian Ray said his team meets frequently to decide how and where to direct support in central Illinois.
"Having the capability to decide what matters to those around us is a big deal," said Ray. "It allows my team to form partnerships with community-based nonprofit organizations to enhance the quality of life for all ages and promote growth of communities through economic development initiatives."
Ray said the most impactful initiatives are those where employees, community leaders, clients and residents drive success together. A few examples are the activities at United Way of Central Illinois, Springfield Urban League, Peoria County's Bright Futures program and other high-quality early education programs in the region.
Ray continued, "High-quality early childhood education is the foundation of a brighter future for children and society at large. We recognize the significant role educators, caregivers and parents play in early education. That's why we're committed to supporting them in giving children the opportunity to Grow Up Great."
Grant funding is important, but key to success are employee-volunteer opportunities such as visiting classrooms to read to preschoolers or sorting children's jackets for donations. Ray reported since the launch of Grow Up Great, employees have logged 12,000 hours enhancing learning for preschoolers in central Illinois. PNC employees have read books at early childhood centers, accompanied students of Springfield Urban League Head Start to University of Illinois Springfield's Performing Arts Center for Arts Starts Programming, and last fall had a mobile planetarium visit Head Start with a show where the students traveled through space with characters from Sesame Street.
Since 2019 PNC has teamed up with Operation Warm so local children have what they need for winter. Last fall, PNC volunteers distributed 1,630 new winter coats to early-education centers in Springfield, Decatur, Rantoul, East Peoria, Peoria and Bloomington, bringing the total to more than 5,500 coats distributed in central Illinois, Ray reported. He is proud of PNC employees who sorted coats and waited for eager preschoolers to arrive and select their own coats.
April Miles, vice president and PNC commercial banking relationship manager in Springfield, said, "What I love most about volunteering for Grow Up Great is the opportunity we have to make a lasting impact on children in our communities. There is nothing more rewarding than to see the joy on a child's face when they pick out a brand-new coat to wear in the winter or when their eyes light up at the opportunity to experience a Class Acts performance at UIS. Grow Up Great allows me to work side by side with local organizations and community partners who are committed to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for some of our most underserved youth."
Eric Meyer, Springfield PNC retail branch manager, values being part of a team that makes memorable moments such as seeing kids experience being on stage and performing for an audience for the first time.
"It takes volunteers to connect PNC to our communities in these special ways," he said.
"The Springfield Urban League has been fortunate to collaborate with PNC through Grow Up Great, a program that aligns with our mission to support early-childhood education," said Zhavier Harris, marketing and communications manager. "Our involvement has primarily been through our Head Start and Early Head Start programs, where PNC has provided financial support, volunteer engagement and educational resources to enhance learning opportunities for young children in our community."
Harris said one of the most impactful aspects of this partnership is working with PNC volunteers who engage with students through reading initiatives and interactive learning activities. Their contributions create an enriched learning environment, fostering early literacy and school readiness.
Beyond the classroom, Springfield Urban League families have benefited from 200 coats donated yearly.
"A warm coat means so much more than protection from the cold," said Harris. "It brings comfort, confidence and support to our Head Start families as they navigate the winter months. We are incredibly grateful for PNC's dedication to the well-being of our children. This partnership has had a tangible impact on our organization by expanding our ability to serve children and families, strengthen our curriculum and reinforcing the importance of community involvement in early-childhood education.
