2021 Impact Report: Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation Raises $12 Million and Awards 518 Grants to Support Kids Battling Hunger and Illness
2021 Impact Report
A Force for Joy
In the second year of a global pandemic, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation continued its mission to bring joy to kids battling hunger or illness. Thanks to generous supporters, 2021 marked the Foundation’s largest year of impact yet.
2021 By the Numbers
$12 million raised — highest total ever in a single year
518 grants awarded across 41 states
More than 2 million kids impacted
347 hunger relief grants
171 health and hospital grants
Fighting Childhood Hunger
The pandemic continued to strain families in 2021. The Foundation funded diverse hunger relief strategies, including:
135 food banks and food pantries
41 Boys & Girls Club food programs
18 emergency meal programs
11 school-based feeding programs
12 grocery delivery programs
12 community gardens and food rescue initiatives
Grantee examples include Lakeview Pantry in Chicago, which provided more than 160,000 meals through its online market model, and Hillside Food Outreach in New York, delivering groceries directly to families with children.
Supporting Kids Battling Illness
Dogs for Joy
One of the Foundation’s most beloved programs welcomed five new facility dogs in 2021, bringing the total funded since 2018 to 31 dogs and more than $2.6 million invested. These full-time hospital dogs reduce anxiety, ease procedures, and provide comfort to pediatric patients and families.
Dunkin’ Connecting Joy
Launched in 2021, this national program funds gaming equipment and specialists in children’s hospitals to combat isolation and bring connection through virtual play. Initial grants were awarded to Boston Children’s Hospital and Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital.
Dunkin’ Prom
Eighteen hospitals hosted milestone prom experiences for teen patients, many adapted for safe in-person or virtual formats.
Starlight Sites
Four new hospital spaces were unveiled in partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation, transforming treatment rooms and family areas into welcoming, joy-filled environments.
Camp Grants
The Foundation provided $500,000 to 26 specialized camps, helping children with serious illnesses return to safe summer camp experiences after pandemic disruptions.
Fundraising for Joy
The Dunkin’ community powered record-breaking fundraising in 2021:
$4+ million raised in restaurants nationwide
Dunkin’ x BARK partnership
Brighten the Season campaign
Iced Coffee Day fundraiser
Shine Gold Donut campaign, raising nearly $236,300 for children’s hospitals
First Dunkin’ JOY | NDCP Golf Classic, generating a $1 million donation to the Jimmy Fund Clinic at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
2021 Financial Snapshot (Unaudited)
Total Revenue: $9.35 million
Total Expenses & Grants: $9.37 million
95% of spending directed to program services and support
68% of annual operating expenses allocated directly to program services and grants
Looking Ahead
2021 proved that even in uncertain times, a community united around a shared mission can deliver extraordinary impact. Through hunger relief, hospital programs, therapeutic dogs, gaming initiatives, and milestone celebrations, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation continued to be a force for joy in communities nationwide.
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