Strategic local investments are rooted in ‘pragmatic philanthropy,’ which prioritizes sustainable impact through listening, partnership and community involvement
ERLANGER, Ky. (Sept. 4, 2025) — Philip Morris International’s U.S. businesses (PMI U.S.) today shared details of their philanthropic investments in Kentucky, with over $3 million committed since 2021. This follows the release of the company’s Philanthropy 2025 Benchmark Survey, “Invested in America: Today’s High Standards for U.S. Companies,” which found that Americans want a different kind of corporate philanthropy, one rooted in community and collaboration.
Results of the survey, released in June, point to a growing demand for companies to play a more active, community-centered role. Key findings included:
• 84 percent of Americans believe big companies have an ethical responsibility to support the communities where they operate.
• 53 percent see a heightened need for companies to be involved in their communities, citing the growing demand for services.
• Younger Americans, aged 21 to 44, ranked “local investment” as a very high priority for companies.
“We’re in a new era in which Americans expect practical, results-driven action from the companies operating in their communities and the brands they support,” said Marian Salzman, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development at PMI U.S. “This is not about charity for the sake of appearances—it’s about investing in the real needs of real people. This is pragmatic philanthropy at its most powerful, and we’re committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with our trusted local partners in Kentucky to deliver lasting, measurable change.”
PMI U.S.’s giving in Kentucky reflects this philosophy through long-term investments in trusted organizations with deep community ties and a track record of generating impactful benefits.
Local organizations supported across the Bluegrass State include:
• Daniel Pitino Shelter (Owensboro) — to provide meals, shelter, and a path to permanent housing for Kentucky residents
• Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust (Erlanger) — to enhance the lives of military veterans and their families through rehabilitation and programs promoting a better quality of life
• Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky (Hazard) — to bolster economic growth and community-led development across Appalachia through investment and partnership
• Fresh Start for Women (Owensboro) — to offer safe, affordable transitional housing and a supportive environment to single women
• Lady Veterans Connect (Winchester) — to empower women veterans with transitional services, support, and resources
• Veterans Empowered Together (Owensboro) — to foster peer support among veterans and ease their transition back to civilian life through connection and outreach
Today’s announcement follows the release of PMI U.S.’s Pragmatic Philanthropy: A New Imperative of Corporate Citizenship, a white paper that outlines the business’s approach to creating a sustainable impact through listening, partnership, and community involvement. The report also features a case study of PMI U.S.’s giving in action.
Learn more about how PMI U.S. is Invested in Communities and read the white paper on pragmatic philanthropy at: uspmi.com/en/corporate-social-responsibility/
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