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Philip Morris International’s U.S. affiliates, including Swedish Match North America, have unveiled a GivingTuesday Community Leadership initiative to raise funds for local non-profits, honor U.S. military veterans, and bolster small business development. This announcement underscores the company’s commitment to fostering well-being in the communities where it operates.
The initiative will focus on six communities across the U.S., with PMI U.S. and Swedish Match partnering with local non-profits to leverage GivingTuesday as a fundraising opportunity. PMI U.S. has pledged to match up to $200,000 in funds raised for these organizations, which include:
- The Daniel Pitino Shelter in Owensboro, Kentucky, which addresses homelessness by providing emergency and transitional housing.
- CARITAS in Richmond, Virginia, offering hope and recovery programs for individuals facing homelessness or addiction.
- Wiregrass United Way in Dothan, Alabama, supporting community projects that promote safety and health.
- Women’s Business Development Council in Stamford, Connecticut, which empowers women entrepreneurs.
- N-Street Village in Washington, D.C., providing housing and job support for women experiencing homelessness.
- The Hope Station in Wilson, North Carolina, delivering critical assistance to families in crisis.
Additionally, PMI U.S. is collaborating with Wreaths Across America to honor veterans. Employees will join nationwide wreath-laying ceremonies on Dec. 14 to commemorate fallen service members, and each employee can dedicate a wreath free of charge.
In its commitment to women’s economic empowerment, PMI U.S. will also fulfill the first installment of a $5 million, five-year pledge to the Women’s Business Development Council in Connecticut. Since 1997, the council has supported women in launching and growing small businesses.
“At PMI, giving isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement,” said J.B. Simko, who oversees corporate social responsibility for PMI U.S. “By the end of 2024, we will have proudly contributed nearly $35 million in the United States to organizations aligned with our philanthropic goals to support well-being in communities where we live and work.”
The company’s philanthropic initiatives align with its broader goals of veteran support, women’s empowerment, and hyperlocal giving. Earlier this year, PMI U.S. bolstered its support for veterans through efforts such as recruitment outreach, legal services partnerships, and sponsorship of veteran-focused organizations, including the Bob Woodward Foundation and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.
Philip Morris International, headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, employs over 2,300 people in the U.S. and operates manufacturing facilities that produce smoke-free products like ZYN nicotine pouches and HEETS consumables. The company has invested $12.5 billion globally in smoke-free product development since 2008, aiming to provide alternatives for the 45 million Americans who use nicotine, 30 million of whom currently smoke.
This GivingTuesday initiative highlights PMI’s dedication to creating positive change and supporting communities, veterans, and small businesses nationwide.
