Fighting for our communities: Raymond James and United Way
Raymond James and its associates have supported United Way for more than 50 years.
A long-standing history
For more than five decades, Raymond James has partnered with United Way to improve education, strengthen financial stability, and contribute toward the health of the communities in which we live and work.
“[In the early years of Raymond James], we wanted our people to get involved with charities on an individual basis, but they were all over the country,” Chairman Emeritus Tom James said. “United Way makes it so you can be confident you can direct money to their chapters and it will make a difference. It’s worked out very well, I can tell you. I think it also acculturated our people to the art of giving.”
Since 1970, Raymond James has supported United Way through a firm-wide annual giving campaign. Associate donations are matched dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000.
Supporting communities in need
The worldwide United Way network has helped Raymond James make a meaningful difference in our communities. In 2021, associates donated a record $3.9 million through the annual giving campaign. Together with the firm match, United Way chapters and partner agencies across the U.S. received a collective $7.2 million.
“This firm has such a deep history of giving – a tradition started by Tom and his father, Bob – and it is a real cultural force here today,” Chairman and CEO Paul Reilly said. “With their generosity and volunteerism, our advisors and associates set an example for community-minded leadership.”
While Tom and Paul lead Raymond James’ annual giving campaigns, other members of the leadership team also play active roles within the organization. Throughout the year, Private Client Group President Scott Curtis and Eagle Asset Management Managing Director James Camp serve on the United Way Suncoast board of directors.
“To get excited about an organization whose mission is improving lives and creating lasting change was pretty easy,” Scott said.
Our commitment to giving back
"Charitable giving is a major part of who we are as a firm, along with many events we host throughout the year to help build up people and our communities,” said Director of Corporate Responsibility Andrea Masterson. “The result of this year’s United Way campaign is a true demonstration of our culture.”
A key lesson Raymond James Founder Bob James taught his son was that thriving businesses can’t exist without thriving communities – so giving back isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.
“My father would always say it’s all about people, it’s about all the people,” Tom said. “I can tell you that makes such a big difference, and engaging in the community is an important element that has made us successful. I’m very proud, that all over the United States now, in every city we live and work, we take that idea very seriously.”
Associates talk with a representative from a United Way partner agency at the firm's United Way Day.
The 2020 giving campaign
2020 marked the firm’s 50th year of supporting United Way – half a century of building up our communities and putting people first.
In a year of such profound need, the partnership between Raymond James and United Way became more important than ever. The pandemic, the fight for equality, and disruptions to our bedrock local institutions like schools and businesses touched every life.
Proving once again that giving back is woven into our culture, Raymond James associates pushed past the firm’s $3.5 million goal, raising a record $3.57 million for the United Way –$6.68 million total including the firm’s match.
Raymond James Cares
Together, we make a difference to build, strengthen and grow our communities. To learn more about the firm’s corporate philanthropy, click here.
To see how associates give back all year long, follow Raymond James on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.