Raymond James names organization partners for pledge to the Black community

A smiling College Possible instructor with three high school girls in front of computers

Photo courtesy of College Possible Philadelphia

Since the beginning, our business has been people and their well-being. It is evident in good times and crucial when circumstances become difficult. This is why, amid collective despair following the tragic killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and countless others, thousands of associates and more than 60 leaders across Raymond James pledged their commitment to the Black community. This pledge included an initial $1.5 million contribution to support racial equality, financial literacy and empowerment, and volunteerism opportunities.

Today, Raymond James announced it has selected 12 organizations across 10 U.S. markets to receive funding from the pledge.

Collaboration among firm leaders, associate and advisor inclusion networks (Mosaic Inclusion Network and Black Financial Advisors Network), and our Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council led Raymond James to select three areas of focus for this commitment: education, financial empowerment and mentorship. With these pillars in mind, the firm worked with associate and advisor stakeholders in cities across the nation to identify the benefitting organizations.

“These organizations span a wide variety of service areas including K-12 education, college preparation, affordable housing, economic development, leadership training and more,” VP of Diversity and Inclusion Pedro Suriel said. “With each organization, we see an immense opportunity for widespread associate and advisor volunteerism and board involvement, both of which will be key in creating fruitful partnerships over the long term.”

In an effort to build effective, sustainable relationships with the benefitting organizations over time, each of the ten markets will receive a total of $150,000 from Raymond James over a three-year period – or $50,000 a year. The four selected organizations in the Tampa Bay and Memphis areas will each receive $75,000 – or $25,000 a year.

Throughout the course of the next three years, firm leaders, associate and advisor market liaisons, and organization representatives will work together to measure the incremental impact of the donations.

“While we have always worked to ensure we have policies, training, programs and diversity and inclusion networks in place to help address racial inequality, we recognize that it is not enough,” Chairman and CEO Paul Reilly said. “As a firm and as a profession, we have a long way to go on this journey. We know there are no simple solutions, but we are pledging to do all we can at Raymond James to be an agent of meaningful, positive and lasting change in support of more justice, well-being and humanity for the Black community.”

Diversity & Inclusion

At Raymond James, we strive to ensure everyone feels welcomed, valued, respected and heard. To learn more about the firm’s Diversity & Inclusion efforts, click here.

Raymond James Cares

Together, we make a difference to build, strengthen and grow our communities. To learn more about the firm’s corporate philanthropy, click here.

To see how associates give back all year long, follow Raymond James on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

 

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