Tractor Supply Foundation donates to diversity
The Tractor Supply Company Foundation has committed $125,000 to organizations advancing opportunities for minorities in the agriculture, education and civic fields.
The donation comes as part of Tractor Supply Company’s ongoing commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in its workforce and the communities it serves.
“At Tractor Supply, we are committed to being a champion for equality and respect,” said Hal Lawton, president and CEO. “By way of the Tractor Supply Company Foundation and with the direction of our African Americans on the R.I.S.E. group, we are proud to support these organizations that are doing important work to advance opportunities for African Americans and other minorities in our schools, our communities and in the field of agriculture.”
Earlier this year, the rural lifestyle retailer launched the African Americans on the R.I.S.E. (Relationships, Inclusion, Support and Education) Team Member Engagement Group.
The group’s mission is to engage, empower and facilitate the growth of African American Team Members; provide visibility to and address issues and challenges which impact African Americans; and support causes of importance to the broader African American community.
In light of the recent national focus on racial and social justice, the Tractor Supply Company Foundation worked with the R.I.S.E. group to identify organizations that are uniquely working to achieve these goals. The donation recipients are:
- MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences) - $25,000
- Congressional Black Caucus Foundation - $20,000
- Farms to Grow, Inc. - $20,000
- Fisk University - $20,000
- Tennessee State University College of Agriculture - $20,000
- 100 Black Men of Tennessee - $20,000
These donations are in addition to the company’s $15,000 donation to Nashville-native Shawn Dromgoole’s neighborhood walks to promote safety and inclusion in communities.
Tractor Supply published its first Environmental, Social and Governance Report last month, which the retailer says provides transparency around its diversity and inclusion program, pay equity and more.
Based in Brentwood, Tenn., Tractor Supply operates more than 1,880 stores in 49 states along with 180 Petsense stores in 26 states.