Updates from the Larson Foundation

At Larson, we are deeply committed to our mission of “Empowering All to Flourish.” For us, “Flourish” isn’t just an aspiration—it’s a guiding framework for how we work, serve, and give back.

Each letter of “Flourish” represents a core value:

Faith, Love, Opportunity, Unity, Respect, Impact, Safety, and Hope.

Every year, we choose one word to guide our efforts. For 2024, that word was Love. This concept drove our philanthropic activities, shaped our corporate culture, and inspired us to reach new heights of giving.

Central to these efforts is the Larson Financial Foundation, our philanthropic arm. Since 2012, the Foundation has focused on creating sustainable change. We fund projects which strengthen communities, empower individuals, and foster opportunities for growth. While some of you may know us primarily for our financial services, the Larson Financial Foundation embodies our commitment to giving back, both locally in our backyards and around the world.

This year, we have truly witnessed an outpour of love. From dedicating thousands of volunteer hours to supporting impactful projects around the world, we are proud to share the difference we’ve made together in 2024.

The Impact of our Warriors

Giving Back Through Time

We believe giving back starts at home, with our employees actively engaging in service. Each Larson Warrior is given 16 hours of paid volunteer time annually to make an impact in their local communities.

This year, our Warriors collectively completed 1,143 hours of volunteer service at organizations like the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, the St. Louis Area Foodbank, Alleluia Baskets, the Ronald McDonald House, among many others.

Giving Back Through Donations

Our monthly employee Giving Campaign empowers Larson Warriors to donate to causes close to their hearts, with the Larson Financial Foundation matching every dollar donated. This year, our staff contributed $17,391, bringing the total impact to $34,782. These funds have supported organizations like the American Heart Association, Doctors Without Borders, and the World Central Kitchen.

In addition, we hosted a food drive at our recent Christmas party, collecting 275 food items for the St. Patrick Center, which provides services to those in need throughout St. Louis. Our partnership with the St. Patrick Center has also included donating winter accessories and offering workshops on understanding credit scores.

Notes from the Field: Updates from the Larson Financial Foundation

The Larson Financial Foundation works to transform lives and build brighter futures by supporting sustainable initiatives worldwide. Below are just a few highlights of this year’s global impact:

Cambodia

In Cambodia, our Foundation provided resources to local pastors and an orphanage director, enabling them to increase food supplies and serve vulnerable community members. We also helped fund innovative agricultural projects, like the development of an aquaponics farm and cricket farming for sustainable fish and poultry feed. These projects address food insecurity while promoting self-sufficiency and resilience.

The Philippines

Through our partnership with the Ruel Foundation, we funded a larger van for their children’s home in Calapan. This allows them to better serve children in crisis. Then in June, several of our staff traveled to Sorsogon to assist with the grand opening of a new children’s home. We helped paint the facilities and spent meaningful time with the children. The Ruel Foundation is especially close to our hearts, as Paul Larson, our CEO, and his wife Rebecca, adopted three of their children from Ruel’s Calapan home.

India

In rural India, the Foundation worked alongside Uttermost International to meet immediate needs by providing food and educational resources to villages. We also funded improvements to a school by purchasing computers, air conditioners, and generators. Additionally, we provided the down payment for new buses to transport even more children to school.

Looking Ahead

Our mission of “Empowering All to Flourish” extends far beyond our financial services. Through our Foundation, we are building connections, supporting sustainability, and fostering hope for individuals and communities around the world.

As we reflect on 2024, we are profoundly grateful for the collective effort that made these achievements possible. Whether through volunteer hours, financial contributions, or supporting our Foundation’s projects, together we are making a difference.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us. We look forward to continuing this work in 2025 and beyond, and we invite you to learn more about the Larson Financial Foundation and how you can get involved.

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