Nationwide to donate additional $1 million to fight racism

Nationwide is making additional investments to combat racism and promote economic empowerment. On top of its existing efforts, Nationwide has announced a $1 million, multi-year commitment to support programs that foster social justice.

The commitment to criminal justice efforts is in addition to the insurer’s existing commitments to diversity initiatives that address economic empowerment, education and housing.

“At Nationwide, we believe that racism in any shape or form is unacceptable and runs counter to our core values,” said Kirt Walker, CEO of Nationwide. “Today, we are making it clear that we are committed to taking action to promote social equity and justice.”

The additional $1 million in contributions will be directed to:

• The NAACP Legal Defense Fund, a not-for-profit organization that fights for racial justice through litigation, advocacy and public education.
• Local NAACP organizations to foster social justice and economic empowerment.
• The Bail Project, an organization that combats mass incarceration by focusing on the restoration of the presumption of innocence.
• The Equal Justice Initiative, which aims to end mass incarceration and excessive punishment by challenging racial and economic injustice and protecting basic human rights.

“While I am very proud of Nationwide and its diversity efforts through the years, it’s critical that in the midst of recent events and this ongoing national conversation, we listen to our associates,” Walker said. “Only when we take the time to understand and appreciate the unique points of view of others can we make meaningful change.”

In the weeks since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Nationwide leadership and associates have held forums both large and small to create opportunities for employees to listen, share and learn, the company said.