Compass Group announces launch of new charitable foundation

Compass Group, a leading foodservices group, announced the launch of the Compass Group Foundation, a new charitable foundation with a mission to improve the lives of people through education and innovation, empowering them to play a key role in the future of food for their communities.

Governed by its board of trustees, the foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations in countries where Compass Group operates. Its priorities are to create inclusive job opportunities, empower local suppliers and to provide urgent support in the case of global emergencies.

According to the announcement, the foundation will tap into Compass’ existing networks and expertise, enabling charitable partnerships across the world, while amplifying the positive social and environmental impact that Compass Group already makes within its local communities.

In March of last year, the foundation’s first action was to donate £250,000 to the Disaster Emergency Committee in support of the Ukraine humanitarian emergency. Following a successful pilot in 2022, the foundation has since provided funding to support six charitable projects in the USA, U.K., Spain, Turkey and India.

Following the devastating earthquake that hit southern Turkey and northern Syria, the foundation has pledged to donate toward the humanitarian response in the most affected regions near the earthquake epicenter, in coordination with Compass Group Turkey.

While Compass Group is the principal funder, the foundation is an independent charity registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales, and makes funding decisions independently from Compass Group and its businesses.

Dominic Blakemore, group chief executive officer of Compass Group PLC, said in the announcement, “We are fortunate to be part of a purpose-led business that can make such a positive impact in the world. The Compass Group Foundation will amplify this impact on a truly global scale, leveraging our skills, expertise, and volunteers to improve lives through education and innovation, while empowering communities to play a key role in the future of food.

“Thank you to everyone involved in our launch in London last month, attended by our clients, charity partners, colleagues and suppliers. The sense of excitement and possibility was remarkable, and I have no doubt the Foundation’s legacy will be felt for decades to come.”

Robin Mills, chair of the board of trustees for the Compass Group Foundation, and managing director of Compass Group UK and Ireland, added in the announcement, “The Compass Group Foundation is committed to working collaboratively with its charity partners to deliver real impact for some of the world’s most disadvantaged groups. The Foundation is already making a difference, amplifying the positive social and environmental impact that Compass Group makes for local communities. We look forward to transforming even more lives throughout 2023 and beyond.”