Universal Foundation

Through the Universal Leaf Foundation, as well as Matching Gifts and other corporate contribution programs, Universal Corporation invests annually to support our communities.

About the Foundation

The Universal Leaf Foundation (the “Foundation”) is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1975. The Foundation is the philanthropic institution of Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, Inc. (“Universal” or “the Company”) dedicated to fulfilling its social responsibility to the communities in which Universal and its subsidiaries have a physical presence or significant business interest, primarily in the U.S.

Universal has a strong sense of its responsibility to its communities to provide programmatic support through the Foundation for qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations. The Foundation is committed to good corporate citizenship as is evident by its investments in community programs, its financial support for community events and its promotion of employee volunteerism.

Applying for a Grant

Each year, the Universal Leaf Foundation invests approximately $700,000 in the communities in which our employees work and live. The Universal Leaf Foundation awards grants in four focus areas:

Well-being

Critical services to meet the needs of people and the communities we serve. These grants support a wide range of projects including providing housing and shelter, access to medical and mental health services, and increased food security.

Higher Education

Support for educational efforts, higher education, and programs to develop the capacity of the future workforce.

Civic and Arts

Agronomists and LProgramming that fosters an appreciation of diversity, revitalizes neighborhoods, and ensures a vibrant community life through support of cultural endeavors.

Environmental Stewardship

Programs that protect and preserve natural habitats to make nature more accessible.

Grant Eligibility

The primary interest of our foundation is to support programs and specific projects, which includes equipment support and general support. Grants from the Universal Leaf Foundation are distributed in four focus areas (well-being, higher education, civic & arts and environmental stewardship) and are limited to organizations defined as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Most grant awards range from $5,000 to $25,000.

Foundation Grant support is available to:

Not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizations
Organizations within geographic areas where Universal Leaf has significant facilities or business interests. This includes Illinois (Momence), North Carolina (Oxford and Nash County), Pennsylvania (Lancaster), Virginia (Kenbridge and Richmond) and Washington State (Grandview and Prosser).

Foundation Grant support is NOT available to:

Organizations without 501(c)(3) status
Individuals
Political, advocacy or labor organizations
Projects or organizations that are not located within geographic areas where Universal Leaf has a physical presence
Organizations that limit membership and services based on race, religion, color, creed, sex, age or national origin

Grant Cycle Timeline

The Universal Leaf Foundation accepts grant requests during one grant cycle each year.

Application Submission Process

Please complete and submit a Universal Leaf Foundation Coversheet by clicking HERE.  
Next, submit the following four (4) items via the Foundation’s email address or mailing address listed below:

A written grant proposal/request that includes a description of the organization’s history and goals.
The purpose for which the funds are being requested, including the amount of funds requested.
A copy of the IRS letter confirming your organization’s tax-exempt status.
Your organization’s most recent financial statement.

Mailing Address:

The Universal Foundation
c/o Lisa Leahy
P.O. Box 25099
Richmond, VA 23260

Key Foundation Officers:

Harvard B. Smith, President 
Shauna Mullan-Smith, Vice President

Email Address:

Foundation1@universalleaf.com

Two Gifts in One

This program provides an opportunity to support specific, qualified organizations of an employee’s choosing. The Foundation’s fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30, and during each fiscal year the aggregated maximum amount per eligible employee for matching by the Foundation is $5,000 with a minimum of $25. Following are the details of the program, and thanks for being supportive of our communities.

Program Guidelines

Employees eligible to participate in the Matching Gift Program include all salaried and non-seasonal hourly employees of Universal Leaf Tobacco Co., Inc., Universal Leaf North America U. S., Inc., Lancaster Leaf Tobacco Company of Pennsylvania, Inc., J. P. Taylor Company L.L.C., FruitSmart, Silva International, Universal Ingredients – Shank’s Extracts, Universal Leaf Tobacco International, Inc., and Universal Corporation Board members.

Generally, organizations that are non-profit and designated to be tax-exempt by the Internal Revenue Service under 501(c)(3) qualify as recipients for the match. It is the employee’s responsibility to determine if the recipient organization meets this qualification and, if necessary, provide evidence of the qualification.

Examples of organizations and gifts that are ineligible for a match under the Employee Matching Gift Program include but are not limited to:

Payments to offset tuition, books, or other student fees
In-kind contributions
Membership dues

Matching Gift Form

If you have any questions concerning the Matching Gift Form or Program guidelines, please contact Foundation1@universalleaf.com