A Commitment to Giving Back
Trustmark is a company that cares. It’s who we are, it’s part of our DNA.
“As a mutual holding company, we go beyond the products and services we offer to support causes that strengthen the communities where we live and work,” said Kevin Slawin, President and CEO. “By showing that Trustmark Cares by serving others, we live our mission every day.”
The three pillars of Trustmark Cares are the Associate Volunteer Program, the Trustmark Foundation and our annual Trustmark Cares United Way Annual Giving Campaign.
![A Commitment to Giving Back](/Trustmark-Benefits-Web/media/Images/Trustmark-Cares-logo.png?ext=.png)
Helping Communities Thrive
Supporting the Community Service of Trustmark Associates
Associates select the volunteer organization based on their interests. The Trustmark Cares Associate Volunteer Team also shares volunteer options regularly near the headquarters in Lake Forest, Ill.
Additionally, Trustmark, through its private foundation, provides monetary grants to charitable organizations nominated by associates.
See below for examples of how Trustmark associates go beyond in their community service.
![Media for Supporting the Community Service of Trustmark Associates](/Trustmark-Benefits-Web/media/Images/tmk-cares-icons-volunteer.png?ext=.png)
The Trustmark Foundation
The Trustmark Foundation, established in 1984, actively supports associate volunteerism through program donations and volunteer grants. In 2019, the Foundation distributed over $1.1 million in cash and gifts-in-kind. Foundation grants and programs directly support the United Way, community health, safety, education, and urban and cultural enrichment. A portion of the funds is earmarked to support local charitable organizations that have a meaningful impact on the communities near the company’s larger branch offices. Recipient organizations are selected by the associates in each branch office. Trustmark associates who volunteer for a qualified tax-exempt organization are encouraged to apply for a Trustmark Foundation Volunteer Grant to help support the organization with its ongoing needs.
Ralph Eckert Scholarship
A college education seems to cost more each year, and a Trustmark Foundation scholarship program tries to offset some of that burden. Up to 15 new $2,500 undergraduate scholarships are awarded each year to eligible children of Trustmark associates. The scholarships, aimed at deserving undergraduate students, assists with post-secondary education costs and recognizes and rewards student achievement. Scholarships are renewed automatically for eligible returning students. The scholarship program is named for retired Trustmark CEO Ralph Eckert.
![Media for The Trustmark Foundation](/Trustmark-Benefits-Web/media/Images/tmk-cares-icons-foundation.png?ext=.png)
United Way Campaign
Associate gifts can be directed toward the local United Way or to any IRS-designed 501(c) (3) charitable organization. When associates give at the Care Share Level, the Trustmark Foundation matches 50 percent of the pledge amount to the charity of choice.
![Media for United Way Campaign<br />
](/Trustmark-Benefits-Web/media/Images/tmk-cares-icons-UW.png?ext=.png)
“Sharing a Meaningful and Memorable Experience”
Kristen Woods, Michelle Shewmake, Stacey Benson and Jackie Capel started a volunteer project refinishing tables at Easterseals Arkansas as colleagues working in different departments for Trustmark Health Benefits. They ended the day with as friends.
”We are no longer just co-workers,” Woods said. “We are wood sanders and stainers and volunteers who have shared a meaningful and memorable experience. We left as friends with new skills and full and grateful hearts.”
![Media for “Sharing a Meaningful and Memorable Experience”](/Trustmark-Benefits-Web/media/Images/Trustmark-Cares-Memorable-Experience.png?ext=.png)
Detroit Cereal Drive
![Media for Detroit Cereal Drive](/Trustmark-Benefits-Web/media/Images/DetroitCerealDrive.jpg?ext=.jpg)
Lake Forest Backpack
![Media for Lake Forest Backpack](/Trustmark-Benefits-Web/media/Images/LF_BackPack.jpg?ext=.jpg)
Mequon Silent Auction
![Media for Mequon Silent Auction](/Trustmark-Benefits-Web/media/Images/Mequon-Silent-Auction-Fundraiser.jpg?ext=.jpg)
HealthFitness Associates/Pittsburgh
![Media for HealthFitness Associates/Pittsburgh](/Trustmark-Benefits-Web/media/Images/Pittsburgh-HFIT.jpg?ext=.jpg)
Warm Fuzzy Alert
![Media for Warm Fuzzy Alert](/Trustmark-Benefits-Web/media/Images/Trustmark-Cares-Blankets.png?ext=.png)
Lake Forest Day of Caring
![Media for Lake Forest Day of Caring](/Trustmark-Benefits-Web/media/Images/LF_DayofCaring.jpg?ext=.jpg)