2020 Annual Report: Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation Grants $5 Million to Support Kids Battling Hunger and Illness During COVID-19

2020 Annual Report

Rising to Meet the Moment

Universally, 2020 was a year of unexpected change. As schools and businesses closed and families faced rising unemployment, the need for food relief and emotional support grew dramatically. What did not change was the Foundation’s mission: to bring joy to kids battling hunger and illness. 

Thanks to Dunkin’ franchisees, guests, partners and employees, the Foundation:

• Granted $5 million to children’s health and hunger relief organizations

• Provided $2.25 million in emergency relief grants to nearly 200 nonprofits

• Raised $8.5 million without in-person fundraising events

• Funded 350+ nonprofits in 35 states 

Emergency COVID-19 Relief

When food banks lost volunteers and demand surged, the Foundation activated $1.25 million in emergency grants in March, followed by another $1 million in August. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 helped nearly 200 organizations meet urgent needs. 

Emergency funding supported:

• 120 food banks and food pantries

• 65 emergency meal programs

• 20 grocery delivery programs

• 15 backpack programs

• 11 school-based feeding programs

• 18 community gardens and food rescue initiatives

• 6 nutrition education programs 

Supporting Frontline Workers

In partnership with Dunkin’, the Foundation:

• Provided 100,000+ free cups of coffee to frontline workers

• Brought Dunkin’ trucks to more than 25 hospitals

• Launched Hero Recharge with First Descents to provide outdoor retreat experiences for healthcare workers facing pandemic-related trauma

Bringing Joy to Kids Battling Illness

COVID-19 increased isolation for pediatric patients, making hospital-based joy programs even more critical.

Dogs for Joy

Five facility dogs were placed in children’s hospitals in 2020, expanding the therapeutic reach of this program. 

Starlight Sites

Two hospital playrooms were unveiled in partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation, creating welcoming and calming environments for patients and families. 

The Foundation also provided more than 50 grants to organizations supporting children battling illness nationwide. 

Innovative Fundraising in a Virtual Year

Without in-person galas and events, the Dunkin’ community adapted creatively:

• Dunkin’ JOY Run: 700 participants completed nearly 50,000 miles and raised $235,000

• Dunkin’ x BARK: Raised $1.8 million through themed dog toys

• Give Cheer Campaign: Raised a record $2.7 million in-store

• DunkinCoffeeBreak.com: Generated $120,000 in online donations 

2020 Financial Snapshot (Unaudited)

• Total Revenue: $7.56 million

• Total Expenses & Grants: $6.9 million

• Excess Revenue Over Expenses: $650,841

• 95% of spending directed to program services and support 

Looking Ahead

2020 tested communities across the country, but it also revealed extraordinary generosity and resilience. Through emergency funding, frontline support, pediatric hospital programs, and hunger relief initiatives, the Foundation rose to meet the moment and continued bringing joy where it was needed most.

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