Nationally and internationally, J.P. Morgan aims for specific core values. A significant value is social responsibility where the organization strives to be “a catalyst for meaningful, positive and sustainable change in our highest-need neighborhoods and communities across the globe. …”
Around the world, the firm is known for philanthropy. To mirror this, the regional offices often move toward similar goals. At J.P. Morgan Retirement Plan Services, we focus on three key areas – community development, education and arts and culture.
At the Kansas City offices, while the day-to-day business of retirement planning is the main focus, the company also aspires to make sure employees have opportunities to develop, learn and grow, too. Associate General Counsel and Managing Director Karen F. Prange says employees participate in networking and resource groups within the company, based on common interests. Several committees include a Latin American employee organization, women’s internal network, and Partners in the Community.
Partners in the Community, the philanthropic and volunteer committee, unites under the banner to explore opportunities where they might lend physical or financial support. The committee has aided local Ronald McDonald Houses, Operation Breakthrough and Harvesters Food Network. Chief Operating Officer James M. Gearin says the employees, the human capital, suggest local organizations and seek out ways to volunteer. This year, the Wayside Waifs group also was added.
“We look to our other committees to raise ideas too; then our corporate giving committee members get specific requests, Prange says. We like the Partners in the Community group to weigh in so we can see what employee engagement may be needed as well as financial allocations.”
According to Gearin, the discussion last year turned toward aiding some arts organizations. “When we make decisions, we look at what will make a significant impact. Through all the groups, we look at what fits best with our employee and corporate philanthropic goals.”
Human Resources Vice President Tracy Gallery says she enjoys being part of the committee because so many people are willing to help. “Co-workers can be passionate about certain groups. Those guiding lights reach out and help women and children or the arts … which can become so fulfilling as we focus our energy and talents into the community.”
Prange says the corporate giving committee may look at stewardship from several angles. “First we want to know that donations are used locally. Second, we like to help our employees connect and meet needs of organizations that are committed to the Kansas City area.”
Operation Breakthrough, a nationally accredited, not-for-profit group that began in 1971 as a response to requests from parents in the central city for quality child care for children of the working poor, is another organization aided by J.P. Morgan. Prange says the childcare facility is dear to her where she personally volunteers. Many of the children are invited to the corporate office throughout the year to spend time with the employees and celebrate together. For Gearin, who is a transplant from Boston, worked with the Greater Boston Food Group. Harvesters registers strongly.
Prange says employees also sit on the Business Council at The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art because they follow the company’s core value to support the arts. “It’s doubly valuable to us when we can help support the community and promote employee satisfaction through their involvement in activities and events offered at the Museum.”
While this division supports retirement planning, Gallery says whether it’s a client or an employee, there is often a discussion about what mark a person makes. “Being in this business makes me focus through that lens. I personally ask about how I will leave my mark.” Prange agrees. “Employees and clients see the influences we have and want to make a mark on their community,” she says.
Gearin expects J.P.Morgan’s contributions to the local community to grow as other areas of the bank like Chase Mortgage and Commercial Banking services, as well as J.P. Morgan Private Bank expand their presence in the metropolitan area.
“The results come from our employees. After all, it’s the employees who help us build our business. Opportunities
to connect through work can be valuable to a person’s
well-being, just as those that are made through church, school or another local organization,” Prange says. “We have never had to cancel a volunteering opportunity because we couldn’t get the numbers of employees necessary. As a matter of fact,we have to put a cap on some events or we just get too many volunteers.”
For more information about J.P. Morgan’s charitable giving in Kansas City, the Partners in the Community group can be reached at JPM_Partners@jpmorgan.com.
