Fast Food Philanthropy: Questions Arise as Arby's Buys Wendy's

Late last week (4/24/08) Columbus Business First reported that Ohio-based Wendy's International Inc. has agreed to be purchased by the parent corporation of Arby's restaurants, Triarc Companies Inc.  This of course begs the question: what will happen to Wendy's philanthropic activities, if anything? Let's look at some of the facts regarding the corporate giving of these three entities.

Wendy's International Inc. established a company-sponsored foundation, Wendy's International Foundation, in 2002. In the latest year of record (2006) the market value of its assets was $2,245,661 and its giving activities included $800,000 for grants. Among the top recipients were United Way of Central Ohio ($125,000) and the Elliott Leadership Institute ($100,000 payment on 3-yr. grant).  Other  philanthropic programs affiliated with Wendy's International Inc. include the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Wendy's Wonderful Kids, Wendy's 3 Tour Challenge, Wendy's High School Heisman, and Wendy's Animal Welfare Program. 

The Atlanta-based Arby's Foundation, a public charity, was established in 1986. Through its Arby's Charity Tour (golf), restaurant fundraising, and community events, the foundation has raised more than $27 million dollars to support leadership, education and mentoring initiatives in Arby's communities. In the latest year of record (2006) they Arby's Foundation had assets of $13,099,285 and total giving of $2,630,842. Contributions primarily went to Big Brothers, Big Sisters programs throughout the U.S., including several in Ohio (Cincinnati, Cleveland, Northwestern).

Based in New York, Triarc Companies Inc. is a publicly traded holding company and franchisor of Arby's restaurants. It supports a corporate giving program that focuses on areas of company operations.

I'd like to think that a sale like this is aimed at gaining market share for Wendy's and maximizing profit, resulting in more corporate engagement in more communities, but that may be the naive wish of a girl who grew up consuming many a late-night Frosty (probably too many). What the outcome of the sale will be on the corporate giving of Wendy's remains to be seen, but it is something to watch. In the meantime, tell us your prediction.

Comments

[Cindy B]

Karol: The Foundation Center does not give grant, but can help you to seek them effectively. We recently established a free funding infor Cooperating Collection in Xenia, OH where you can use our database and access our resources for finding grants. http://www.greenelibrary.info/Branches/Xenia-Community-Library.html

[Karol Warden]

Do you give grants to high school groups thatm use the money to work on team building and leadership skills? I am an Assistant Principal at Xenia Community Schools--we are looking for a grant for our Renaissance group (all A's and B's, no office referrals). Our district is oor--49% at poverty level and 24% special needs.