HDR is an integrated, multidisciplinary design practice dedicated to creating places and spaces that elevate the human spirit and inspire human endeavors. HDR is inspired and is self-challenged to create stronger, more vibrant communities. 

The HDR Foundation, a 501(c)(3), was founded in 2012 and to date, the Foundation has awarded over $6 million in grants to more than 250 nonprofits in the communities where our employees live, work, and play. Grants are awarded to other 501(c)(3) organizations that align with the Foundation’s areas of focus and the company’s expertise: education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship.

This HDR Foundation is different than most other corporate foundations in that it is employee-funded and employee-run. Employees fund the Foundation through an annual Day of Giving. This year, nearly 6,000 employee donors raised $1.71 million! 

This grant cycle, the local HDR Foundation Grant award of $15,170 was awarded to Beyond BASIC Life Skills to fund a kitchen renovation at its Summerville location on N. Gum Street. This kitchen renovation will expand Beyond BASIC Life Skills cooking classes for its differently abled teammates. This renovation will provide a safe, well-lit, accessible space for the Beyond BASIC teammates to learn and grow, building sustainable skills.

“It has been my pleasure becoming more acquainted with Beyond BASIC Life Skills and their important work for our community over the last few years," said Amanda Redick, HDR employee sponsor. "Beyond BASIC staff and volunteers work tirelessly to facilitate a learning environment where teammates learn the skills needed to achieve fulfillment beyond what is basic to survival. Through various therapy sessions, these differently abled teammates gain the knowledge and confidence to better navigate in the community, sometimes resulting in employable individuals across different industries. I know that the HDR Foundation grant award will not only help provide new classroom space for the teammates but may help build the skills to help the teammates gain employment in our community. With a win-win like this, sponsoring this grant was a no-brainer for me. I am so happy to be part of Beyond Basic’s continued mission.” 

To learn more about Beyond BASIC Life Skills, visit Beyond BASIC Lifeskills | Disability Services | United States.

To learn more about HDR visit HDR (hdrinc.com). To find ways to join the employee-owned culture, view open job requisitions here: Job Search | HDR (taleo.net)