Ms. Sarah Sidman

What Defines a Philanthropic Pioneer? Celebrating The Boeing Company’s 100 Years of Giving

Posted by Ms. Sarah Sidman, Jul 14, 2016 0 comments


Ms. Sarah Sidman

A pioneer is one who helps create new ideas and methods, and one who is among the first to advance into unknown territory. This is the story of The Boeing Company, a philanthropic pioneer who helped blaze the trail that led to the booming philanthropic and nonprofit community our region enjoys today. Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, The Boeing Company exemplifies how a committed corporate citizen can shape and impact its community.

One hundred years ago, things were very different in the Pacific Northwest. Settlers came to the Seattle area around 1851. By the turn of the century, industry was expanding, the population was in rapid growth, and cultural organizations were beginning to take­ root, though the region was only hinting at the vibrant cultural metropolis it would later become. Just 75 years ago, amid much protest, a visiting symphony conductor declared that Seattle was seen by some as an “aesthetic dustbin.” Though he later retracted his comments, it’s obvious he felt there was room for growth. Whether his comment had merit back in the day, clearly it no longer applies. Seattle ranks among the nation’s highest in terms of number of arts nonprofits per capita, and the greater metro area is among the top in “arts vibrancy.”

(L) Second Avenue north from Yesler Way, Seattle, 1916; MOHAI, PEMCO Webster & Stevens Collection, 1983.10.10250. (R) Seattle Art Museum, MIRROR, photo by Benjamin Benschneider.

Many factors have contributed to our vibrant cultural community, and throughout its growth, philanthropic pioneers have been key. So, what defines a philanthropic pioneer, and how might new companies step into the role?

Invest in vision, and invest in the future

The early Boeing leaders had a vision of the community in which they wanted to live, and invested in building it. Boeing awarded its first grant within the first year of Boeing operations. Since making this first charitable contribution in 1917, Boeing has been deeply committed to philanthropy and investment in the communities where employees live and work. Today, this ranges from support of the arts and education, to health and conservation, to social services, and providing assistance and resources to our military veterans. The early leaders understood the critical role the arts play in shaping and sustaining a healthy community. We wouldn’t have the remarkable cultural life we have today without Boeing’s early investment to build upon.

Looking back 50 years ago, this region’s cultural scene was experiencing exponential growth set upon that solid foundation. The 1962 World’s Fair left a permanent legacy in the Seattle Center and its complex of performance and entertainment halls. Arts venues and cultural organizations were launching and expanding throughout the region, and Boeing has remained steadfast in its commitment to the arts ever since. Boeing even played a role in the post-World’s Fair founding of ArtsFund (the organization where I work). A senior executive representing The Boeing Company signed on as the fourth person in support of the formation of ArtsFund, then known as the United Arts Council of Puget Sound. Today, Boeing remains one of our most stalwart supporters. In addition to providing funding, Boeing has been an integral partner to ArtsFund in launching several key initiatives, and our partnership with them on innovative new programs is ongoing.

Fund consistently, and fund generously

Last year alone, The Boeing Company, its employees, and retirees gave more than $50 million to around 200 Washington organizations dedicated to improving the lives of people in this state. These contributions have made a significant positive impact on the health and vitality of this region.

As a result of this consistent funding, cultural organizations large and small, and from all disciplines throughout the region, reflect the impact of Boeing’s community support. They’ve given millions to Puget Sound nonprofits to support arts education efforts that increase the social, emotional, and cognitive development for young people; new music, theater, dance, literary, and visual arts programs; and capacity building projects to improve organizational efficiency and financial sustainability. The company has also provided funding for virtually every important new arts facility throughout the region, including opera and symphony halls, art museums, performance centers, theaters, and more.

Engage your employees, and empower them to lead

Engaging employees is central to productivity and retention. It’s widely reported that charitable giving improves employee engagement and morale by boosting productivity, belief in a company’s initiatives, gratitude to the organization, and pride in their work. In addition to their charitable giving, Boeing is a model of incentivizing employee community engagement. Last year, Boeing gave approximately $6 million to match employee contributions to local nonprofits. The company also provides a match for volunteer hours–added encouragement for employees to put their expertise and time towards strengthening their local communities.

Boeing has provided enormous assets of human capital for leadership, project support, planning, and technical assistance. In 2015, Boeing employees in Washington gave more than 100,000 volunteer hours, and more than 100 executives served on nonprofit boards throughout the state. Over the years, hundreds, if not thousands, of Boeing executives and employees have served on arts organization boards, strategic planning committees, and through the loaned employees program. At ArtsFund, Boeing volunteers have served on both our Board of Trustees and in our volunteer Associates Program, as well as on our grant allocations committees. The leadership and impact of Boeing employees in the Puget Sound arts scene is remarkable in its level of expertise, dedication, and enthusiasm.

Looking ahead

Today, the Central Puget Sound is home to innovative companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Nintendo, and Expedia, as well as to top universities and cutting edge companies in design, medical research, and more…and the skyline is rising quickly. These are exciting times in the Pacific Northwest, and we have come a long way since the early days.

Our diverse and vibrant arts and cultural sector is a core part of what makes this region an attractive hub for innovation and creativity. While there are many factors shaping the health of arts in the region, it is unimaginable that we would have the arts life we do today without Boeing. From grants and donations, to employee gift matching and volunteer work, Boeing’s philanthropic impact on our region is tremendous.   

July 15 is the Boeing Centennial–let’s champion the Boeing Company for their 100 years of giving, and encourage all companies, be they one or one hundred years old, to be philanthropic pioneers. Your investment and impact in your communities can and will shape the future!

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