Dollar General awards racial justice, education grant recipients

Dollar General and its Literacy Foundation have named three recipients of its racial justice and education commitment.

Organizations named recipients of the grant include the Equal Justice Initiative, Operation Hope and INROADS.  

“As one of America’s essential retailers, DG remains committed to elevating our mission of Serving Others, while keeping our core value of respecting the dignity and differences of others evident in all we do,” Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s CEO and Dollar General Literacy Foundation board member said. “We are proud to put our beliefs into action, both internally and externally, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our efforts to advance equity and inclusion through our partnerships with the Equal Justice Initiative, Operation Hope and INROADS.”

The Equal Justice Initiative will receive a multi-year commitment from the retailer, in addition to the funding, that looks to aid its work in criminal justice reform, as well as challenging racial and economic injustice through education and awareness.

Operation Hope will also receive funds to support its efforts in advancing financial dignity and inclusion through financial literacy training and coaching programs.

“Operation Hope is honored to receive this $1 million grant from Dollar General to help support our work around increasing financial literacy, fueling inclusion, and empowering opportunity through our programs for youth and adults,” John Hope Bryant, founder, chairman and CEO of Operation Hope said. “Public-private partnerships like these are the foundation of creating a more equitable future for all Americans and we are proud to be in alignment together.”

Lastly, INROADS will receive $1 million to support internship and education programs for ethnically diverse students across the country.

“It will take an entire Community of Action to accelerate racial equality, and INROADS is honored to be a part of that important and timely work with Dollar General,” Forest T. Harper, Jr., INROADS president and CEO said. “Dollar General’s commitment to racial equity should impact those who are in greatest need, and this impact should drive the irreversible, sustainable solutions to closing the racial wealth gap in America.”