Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation distributes $3M to support nonprofit organizations

PORTLAND — Continuing its mission of bringing joy to kids battling hunger or illness across the country, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation distributed more than $3 million over the course of 2024 to support more than 100 nonprofit organizations operating across the Northeast region, including nearly $267,000 in Maine.

The Foundation’s impact in the Northeast this year included nearly $970,000 in Community Impact Grants to support 78 organizations across the region, as well as more than $900,000 in funding to support specific initiatives through the Foundation’s hospital-based Signature Grant Programs. This local support was part of the Foundation’s overarching, nationwide philanthropic efforts, which in 2024 included more than $10 million in grant funding distributed to more than 500 nonprofit organizations serving 43 states across the  country.  

“From our locally based, independent franchisees to our corporate leadership team, all of  us at Dunkin’ are committed to giving back to the communities we serve here in the Northeast and across the country,” said Victor Carvalho, a Northeast-based Dunkin’ franchisee and chair of the board of directors for the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation. “The Joy in Childhood Foundation was established to support large-scale, impactful funding to organizations and hospitals that share our mission of bringing joy to  kids who need it most. We are proud of the impact we were able to make in 2024, and we look forward to continuing this commitment into the new year and beyond.” 

Since its founding in 2006, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation has granted more than  $60 million to hundreds of national and local charities across the country thanks to the  generosity of its franchisees, guests, vendor partners and employees. 

Here in Maine, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation provided a total of $73,000 in Community Impact Grant funding in support of the following six nonprofit organizations: Alfond Youth & Community Center (Waterville), Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine (Portland), Dream Factory (Gorham), Grahamtastic Connection (Springvale), MaineHealth (Portland), and Wings for Children & Families (Bangor). 

The Foundation provided an additional $50,000 to support a Dunkin’ Joyful Space at Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. These funds will be used to upgrade patient and family-facing spaces in the hospital’s pediatrics and emergency departments.  

The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation Signature Grant Programs aim to create or enhance unique programming initiatives that brighten the experience of children and teens receiving in-patient care at local children’s hospitals across the country.  

Applications for the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation’s Community Impact Grants will be accepted by invitation only through May and awarded in September. Deadlines and eligibility details for 2025 Signature Grants will be finalized in the coming weeks. Learn more at www.BringJoy.org.  

Dunkin’, founded in 1950, is the largest coffee and donuts brand in the United States, with  more than 13,700 restaurants in nearly 40 global markets. Dunkin’ is part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants. For more information, visit DunkinDonuts.com and  InspireBrands.com.  

The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, the charitable foundation supported by Dunkin’  and the generosity of its franchisees, guests, vendor partners and employees, provides the  simple joys of childhood to kids battling hunger or illness. The Foundation partners with food banks, children’s hospitals, and nonprofit organizations to fund joyful environments  and joyful experiences for kids when they need it most. Since 2006, the Joy in Childhood  Foundation has granted more than $60 million to hundreds of national and local charities across the country. For more information, please visit www.bringjoy.org.