Giving back to the communities where we live and work has been part of the Mead & Hunt culture for 126 years. Our founder, Daniel Mead, built his career on the idea that engineering should serve the public good. We believe communities thrive when people invest in one another and champion causes that improve the lives of people in our neighborhoods. The Mead & Hunt Foundation carries this legacy forward to create an even greater impact.
Each year, the Mead & Hunt Foundation, a public 501(c)(3), awards grants to nonprofits dedicated to three causes we care deeply about:
- Cultivating future STEAM leaders
- Championing environmental stewardship
- Caring for the basic human needs of our neighbors
These causes have broad applications, from introducing under-resourced students to STEAM professions to supporting programs that protect the environment and strengthen communities.
Applications for the Foundation’s first grant cycle are open now through August 31, with awards announced later this fall.
Meet Our Foundation Board President: Cassie Coopman
Every great idea needs the right person at the helm. For the Foundation, that leader is Cassie Coopman.
Cassie is an Enterprise Resilience Consultant, helping organizations develop business continuity and disaster recovery strategies to prepare for and recover from disruptions. Anyone who has worked with Cassie knows she brings a big heart and a steady, organized approach to whatever she takes on, which is exactly what our new Foundation needs in its first year.
Cassie explains, “The Mead & Hunt Foundation is another way for people to show up for each other in a meaningful way. We already have a strong culture of caring and community. The Foundation expands that impact beyond our day-to-day work. It turns individual generosity into collective impact, which I think is really powerful.”
Laying the Groundwork for Lasting Impact
Cassie and the Board are focused on building a strong framework so this organization can serve communities for years to come. In year one, that means getting the word out to the public, engaging our employees, and celebrating the grants awarded to worthy causes.
Long-term, the Board is focused on sustainability that keeps the Foundation strong for future generations. The goal is to continue giving back to our communities well into the future.
A Legacy We Build Together
I’m proud of how our team has brought this Foundation from a hopeful concept into reality. I’m grateful to Andy Platz, our Mead & Hunt Board Chair, for the vision that started it all, to Cassie Coopman for stepping into her role with such enthusiasm, and to our seven Foundation Board members for the time and care they’re pouring into this effort.
If you’d like to learn more or share the Foundation with a nonprofit you’re passionate about, please visit meadhuntfoundation.org. This is a legacy we get to build together, and I’m honored to help expand the ways we can give back to our communities with even greater impact.
