Altria to donate $5M to social justice nonprofits, businesses

Altria's black employee resource group will select recipient organizations

Published June 5, 2020 by Sydney Lake

Henrico County-based Fortune 500 tobacco manufacturer Altria Group Inc. announced Friday that it will donate $5 million to national and local organizations that address systematic racism and small businesses that have been affected by vandalism associated with recent protests and rioting.

“These are difficult times, and we must find ways to embrace our differences, address underlying systemic issues and move forward as a country,” Altria CEO Billy Gifford said in a statement. “We know we don’t have all the answers, but we will learn by listening to our diverse colleagues, community members and others as we seek progress within our company and the places we call home.”

Unifi, Altria’s black employee resource group, will select the recipient organizations. The company doesn’t have further information on how the funding will be distributed and what amount will go to organizations and businesses in Virginia, Altria spokesperson George Parman says.

Altria will also launch a monthlong employee giving campaign and for every dollar donated by an employee, Altria will contribute $2. Altria will also give employees a companywide paid day off on June 19 for a “day of healing.”

With 2019 revenues of $25.11 billion, Altria employs approximately 3,000 people in the Richmond region between its corporate headquarters in Henrico and Philip Morris USA’s manufacturing facility and research center in Richmond. Altria focuses its giving on youth development, environment and inclusive communities and culture.