Nov. 26, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by POET.

In the spirit of changing the world for the better, the POET Community Impact Grant Program works to cultivate widespread impact by starting at home.

Being a good neighbor is a part of POET’s DNA, according to Alyssa Broin Christensen, vice president of team and community impact.

“It’s a core value that drives us to support and uplift the places where we live and work,” she said. “We believe in creating positive, impactful change, not only through sustainable bioproducts but also through active engagement and contributions to the communities we are proud to call home.”

The program was established by founder and CEO Jeff Broin so that individuals and organizations operating in POET’s home communities could apply for funding to support projects that aim to create a positive impact.

The 2024 Community Impact Grant Program — which included POET’s Sioux Falls headquarters, all 34 POET bioprocessing facilities and its Savannah, Georgia, terminal location — received nearly 1,400 applications. POET ultimately awarded nearly 150 grants, totaling $629,000, across its footprint.

Each grant request is reviewed through the lens of POET’s three Pillars of Giving:

• The Earth: Partnering with organizations that share POET’s mission to preserve a clean, healthy environment.
• The Community: Supporting individuals and organizations committed to lifting up their communities by serving those who need it most.
• The Next Generation: Cultivating creativity, confidence and compassion in the next generation by providing support for disadvantaged youths in POET communities.

Studies have shown that small grants are impactful, making support more accessible to grassroots organizations and individuals who are closest to their communities and best understand local needs.

“The impact we’re able to have on our local communities through this program is huge,” said Shelby Christopherson, communications manager. “Every year, we watch the number of applications grow, and we’ve been fortunate enough to grow in giving money back to those communities. We look forward to giving dollars to unique projects to address their unique needs.”

Solid foundation of giving back

The Community Impact Grant Program complements other components of POET’s philanthropic work, particularly its Never Satisfied Scholarships to support students and the company’s Volunteer Time Off initiative, launched in the spring of 2023. This initiative offers team members 16 hours of paid time to volunteer in the communities where they live and work.

Christensen said POET takes a “holistic approach to giving,” uniting the charitable contributions with the hands and feet of its team members.

For many years, POET has partnered with and supported many causes in Sioux Falls and beyond, including Children’s Home Society, Make-A-Wish, United Way, LifeScape, Veterans Community Project, Volunteers of America and Junior Achievement. POET works with these organizations to facilitate the Community Impact Grant Program and connect with eligible groups and community leaders, building on its existing, deep partnerships. Additionally, POET team members often volunteer with these organizations.

Volunteers of America works to uplift America’s most vulnerable citizens in body and soul with food, shelter, worship and other services.

“By collaborating with a committed community partner like POET, VOA can provide programs that serve those in need,” said Becky Deelstra, managing director of Volunteers of America – Dakotas. “POET’s financial support and volunteer efforts help fuel essential programs that directly contribute to the goal of transforming lives. Together, they create opportunities for individuals and families to thrive, reinforcing the shared goal of building a stronger, healthier community.”

Junior Achievement helps young people realize their full potential by empowering them with career inspiration, financial knowledge and other life skills.

“Providing interactive experiences for students in JA’s pillar areas of financial literacy, work and career readiness, and entrepreneurship sets them up for their most successful futures,” said Kayla Eitreim, president and CEO for Junior Achievement of South Dakota. “When businesses and organizations like POET support JA, they’re helping these students understand the possibilities available to them.”

POET is also a title sponsor of JA – South Dakota’s Inspire event, and POET team members join JA for the full day, interacting with area eighth grade students to educate them on the variety of careers available to them at POET and responding to questions about the necessary training and education for these roles. POET also sponsors and supports JA Finance Park, a virtual simulation that helps students learn about budgeting and personal finance.

“Both organizations have been great partnerships for POET,” Christensen said. “VOA has been a longstanding POET partner, and we’ve had team members participate in JA as volunteers and mentors for many years.”

Giving humbly

Christensen said POET has always had a mission to give back, with the idea that “you give, and you give humbly.”

The company’s success — growing from one startup facility in 1987 into the global leader in the production of biofuels and sustainable bioproducts — drives POET’s active engagement and contributions to the communities it calls home.

“Our mission at POET is not just to lead in sustainable global solutions but to lead with servants’ hearts to empower our team members and our communities,” Jeff Broin said. “The choices we make today will create ripple effects tomorrow. By investing in causes that are working to change the world, we aim to help build a foundation for a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.”

Starting in April, qualified individuals and organizations operating in POET-occupied communities are invited to apply for the 2025 POET Community Impact Grant Program. For information, visit poet.com/grants.