How the Consolidated Communications Foundation Gives in Northern California

Downtown Sacramento. photo: Ryan Evanson/shutterstock

Editor's note: This article was revised and updated on 8-11-2021.

Consolidated Communications, which is a broadband provider headquartered in the Central Illinois town of Mattoon and has customers in a 24-state service area, focuses its philanthropy on just three states.

One area of giving is Northern California, where employees and management established the Consolidated Communications Foundation (CCF) back in 1992. Here's a quick look at how this funder operates. 

Topics of Interest

Greater Sacramento is at the heart of CCF's local giving in the region, and the funder has announced around $90,000 in new annual grants, sponsorships, and donations to local nonprofits here lately. In a recent year, the California Chapter of CCF gave $35,700 to organizations that serve children and families, $28,250 to organizations addressing hunger and homelessness, and $22,000 to nonprofits that provide services for physical and mental health. These are the three areas of focus that remain consistent with CCF. The funder awarded over $170,000 in California grants in a recent year.

A Focus on Small Organizations

CCF grants tend to be just a few hundred to a few thousand dollars each, which is more helpful to some types of nonprofits than others. Accordingly, CCF has a preference for small nonprofits that it can make more of a difference with.

Joseph Glenn, senior director of consumer sales and California foundation president at Consolidated Communications, said:

The foundation supports the organizations and causes our employees care deeply about. Following our employees’ lead, the foundation has focused on supporting smaller organizations working right in our neighborhoods, like the Taylor House and Lighthouse Counseling and Family Resource Center.

Geographic Interest Areas

While Roseville and Sacramento are the hot spots for CCF’s California giving, there are actually quite a few different Northern California communities that this funder considers when making grants. They are as follows: Antelope, Arden Park, Arden-Arcade, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Curtis Park, East Sacramento, Elk Grove, Downtown Sacramento, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Fruitridge, Granite Bay, Land Park, Lincoln, Midtown Sacramento, Natomas, North Highlands, Oak Park, Orangevale, Rancho Cordova, Rocklin, Roseville, Sacramento, Town & Country, and West Sacramento.

Where the Money Comes From

When it comes to corporate philanthropy, each company’s giving program looks a bit different, and some are more transparent than others. Consolidated Communications is completely funded by employee contributions, which are matched by the company. With zero administrative costs, the foundation ensures that 100 percent of employee donations go to the local nonprofits where employees live and work. The foundation has awarded over $5.5 million to nonprofits since it was established. The next grant application period will open up between November and January for next year’s round of grants.