Community has always been at the heart of WEX’s values. Being a good corporate citizen is about showing up and supporting our communities as they face challenges and grow to best serve all of us. It is this belief that has guided our approach to philanthropic support and volunteerism over many years.
Underlying this work is a deep belief in creating communities where social equality is a priority. Our grants help to level the playing field in many areas to ensure access to opportunity for all. Social equality is baked into our ethos as funders. It is our position that, in order for all to succeed and communities to thrive, we must help lift up those with less resources and fewer opportunities.
WEX employees support the Maine Cancer Foundation with our Tri for a Cure employee fun run/walk in July 2021.
We direct our support toward four overarching categories:
The Arts
Art should be accessible to all.
At WEX, we believe that the Arts are a fundamental building block to thriving, creative communities. Thriving communities attract world-class talent and help to grow our community and our workforce. In this space, we focus our funding on organizations that provide affordable access and programming for underserved populations and students. Art serves as a catalyst for creativity, innovation, and growth, and should be accessible to all. Additionally, we support hallmark local organizations that provide exceptional performances to our community.
Education
Education is the building block for a successful life.
Education (with a focus on STEM learning) is a primary focus of our philanthropic efforts. In today’s rapidly changing world, ensuring that the educational playing field is level is core to WEX’s funding in this space. We know that students of diverse racial backgrounds and lower economic means often face an uphill battle in achieving equality in educational opportunities. As a result, we are committed to supporting organizations that address educational needs on a spectrum; preparing students for success in today’s rapidly changing and demanding workforce; providing financial support to students through their educational journey; and assisting with mentoring, support, and academic success.
Social Equality
Achieving social equality means committing to funding organizations that ensure that all families have access to shelter, food, and other basic needs; and serve diverse populations.
Although our commitment to social equality is present in all of our philanthropic efforts, our support in this space focuses on funding that ensures equal access to basic needs such as shelter, food, and healthcare to all families, regardless of socioeconomic status. We are also focused on supporting organizations that are led by or primarily serve people of color and other underrepresented minorities.
Wellbeing
Ensuring the mental and physical wellbeing of our communities means supporting access to resources and education.
Healthy communities mean healthy citizens and families. That’s why it’s important for WEX to invest in organizations that promote healthy lifestyles, offer access to mental health care, and work to ensure that all citizens can access these resources regardless of lifestyle or financial means.
WEX Community Grants
The WEX philanthropic grant program benefits nonprofit organizations in the state of Maine. We also offer smaller grants through employee-based giving committees, both in Maine and in several of our other global locations.
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