Sammons Financial Group and the Principal Charity Classic announced they have partnered to launch a new program, the Legacy Project, which will donate to organizations with defined goals, strategies and measurable outcomes to address the issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.

West Des Moines-based Sammons Financial Group seeded the project with a donation of $50,000, with this first year of funding provided to the Directors Council. The Directors Council has existing relationships with well-established organizations in the community such as Oakridge Neighborhood, the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families, and Children & Families of Iowa, each of which has sponsored youth employment programs for many years.

“Business leaders need to better understand the challenges facing people of color and take action to create positive change. Sammons Financial Group is committed to our strategic D&I initiatives,” Esfand Dinshaw, CEO of Sammons Financial Group, said in a news release. “Our D&I journey focuses on actions with impact, both internally and externally. The Legacy Project will expand upon our already significant commitment to community outreach and involvement.”

TDC is a Des Moines-based not-for-profit organization that develops social service programs to help eliminate racial disparities and inequities in employment, education, financial inclusion, health and housing. The new Legacy Project – to be unveiled at the Principal Charity Classic in June – is an outgrowth of Sammons Financial Group’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion.

The project’s initial focus will be to empower youths to explore career, leadership and community involvement through meaningful work experiences and networking opportunities that they may otherwise not have access to.

“I applaud this effort and am proud to play a role in growing it to its full potential,” said Teree Caldwell-Johnson, board chair of TDC and CEO of Oakridge Neighborhood. “First and foremost, it requires corporate and business funding. Employers can become directly involved through designating contributions to the Legacy Project through the Principal Charity Classic. This program will go a long way toward helping us achieve our goal to create summer employment opportunities for 1,200 youth, ages 14-21, by 2023.”

The Legacy Project will be officially launched on June 4 at the Principal Charity Classic sponsor breakfast. The breakfast will include invited guests and students interested in participating in the program.

Companies with an interest in helping to fund the Legacy Project, or in providing meaningful work experiences, can learn more at the June 4 kickoff event and by reviewing program details and donating at www.principalcharityclassic.com/donate.