GPCVC Member and Civic 50 Honoree Wells Fargo:

Describe the main initiative(s) of your CSR program:

Wells Fargo aspires to have a positive impact on the communities that we serve by using our financial and volunteer resources and business expertise in collaboration with community organizations to help solve complex societal issues. Wells Fargo has centered its philanthropic strategy and community engagement around addressing four societal problems: Housing Affordability, Financial Health, Small Business Growth, and Sustainability. Wells Fargo prioritizes supporting activities and programs that have a broad reach and that impact several geographical areas, communities, and/or groups with a focus on supporting the needs of underserved communities and advancing racial equity. More than 91,000 team members – or about one-third of the entire company – actively participate in volunteer chapters, green teams, and employee resource groups. Wells Fargo provides an innovative and comprehensive portfolio of volunteer opportunities that allows for employees across the globe to engage where and how they choose.

What are some of the key learning you gained, through participation in the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia?

The Greater Philadelphia Region Civic 50 Assessment reaffirmed Wells Fargo’s continued strategy of aligning community engagement purposefully with meeting the needs of the current moment and preparing for the future. Concentrating on problem-solving and funding programs through the companywide philanthropic priorities, as well as local giving in the communities in which it operates, has enabled the organization to deepen its impact.

Throughout the pandemic, Wells Fargo provided opportunities for employees to engage in creative ways such as through the Global Fellows Volunteer program, a virtual volunteering initiative with Grameen Foundation’s Bankers without Borders®. This effort seeks to accelerate the social and economic progress of business and entrepreneurs in under-resourced communities around the world, while providing employees with an opportunity to develop leadership skills and enhance cultural competencies with international organizations addressing poverty.

Through workplace giving Wells Fargo encourages employees to contribute to the communities where they live and work. The company facilitates employee donations year-round and amplifies the donation impact through its Community Care Grants program. Through this program, employees can qualify for grants for giving and service activities, and then direct the funds to eligible charities of their choice.

What would you share with a company that is debating whether to take the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia next year?

The opportunity to assess the impact of your organization’s community engagement is helpful in reflective evaluation as well as the opportunity to benchmark opportunities for growth. Wells Fargo’s participation in the Civic50 gave space for fostering and furthering meaningful connections with fellow community minded companies in the region.