In today’s landscape, where companies are increasingly expected to do more than deliver profit, Edward Jones stands out as a financial services firm committed to doing good while doing well. With a legacy that stretches back to 1922, this Fortune 500 company has evolved far beyond its roots serving rural investors. Now headquartered in St. Louis with more than 17,000 financial advisors across North America, Edward Jones is proving that purpose-driven business can be scalable, and impactful.
Under the leadership of Managing Partner Penny Pennington, Edward Jones continues to live its purpose: “to partner for positive impact to improve the lives of our clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society.” This mission is deeply embedded in every layer of the firm, informing strategic decisions and community investments alike.
Corporate philanthropy at Edward Jones is not an afterthought; it’s a core part of the culture. That commitment manifests in three impact areas: Partnering for Lasting Financial Strength, Promoting Healthier Futures and Advancing Inclusive Growth. These pillars reflect the firm’s belief that financial confidence, well-being and inclusive opportunity are essential to thriving communities.
“We don’t just write checks. We partner with our communities to drive systemic change,” says Megan Odneal, manager of Community Impact. “Our associates are personally invested in the work because it reflects who we are as a firm.”
This authenticity is exemplified by the grassroots origins of many initiatives, including the powerful “Bag-A-Thon” food drive in Arizona. Inspired by Principal Ken Blanchard’s volunteer work at a local food bank, the effort has grown into a statewide movement. “It was a revelation,” Blanchard recalls of his early experiences. Motivated by witnessing food insecurity firsthand, he rallied his colleagues to action. In 2024 alone, Bag-A-Thon provided more than 27,800 meals to those in need and has collected more than 855,000 pounds of food since its inception in 2007.
Beyond grassroots efforts, Edward Jones backs national and international causes that align with its mission. A standout is the firm’s partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. Since 2016, Edward Jones has served as the National Presenting Sponsor of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. More than 111,000 associates and clients have participated, raising $45 million to date. The firm’s renewed five-year commitment, with a goal of $50 million by 2025, supports early detection, equitable access to care and critical research.
“The impact of Alzheimer’s disease is personal for so many families, including our own,” shares Fay Simpson, National Strategic Partnerships manager. “Our partnership is about providing hope and resources for the long journey this disease brings.”
The firm’s Causes Campaign further reflects its intentionality. Benefitting the United Way and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, the campaign mobilizes Edward Jones associates to create equitable pathways for underserved communities. In 2024, the effort raised more than $7.4 million, supporting vital resources for families in cities that include Phoenix, St. Louis, New York and Boston.
“We believe financial education and economic empowerment should be available to all, not just a few,” says Ashley Warner, senior manager of Social Impact. “That belief drives our efforts to ensure everyone has a fair shot at building the life they envision.”
The firm’s Causes Campaign further reflects its intentionality. Benefitting the United Way and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, the campaign mobilizes Edward Jones associates to create equitable pathways for underserved communities. In 2024, the effort raised more than $7.4 million, supporting vital resources for families in cities that include Phoenix, St. Louis, New York and Boston.
“We believe financial education and economic empowerment should be available to all, not just a few,” says Ashley Warner, senior manager of Social Impact. “That belief drives our efforts to ensure everyone has a fair shot at building the life they envision.”
Edward Jones also extends its impact across borders. In Canada, the firm has supported the Terry Fox Foundation’s mission to cure cancer through world-class research. In 2023 alone, corporate and associate contributions totaled more than 258,000 CAD, continuing a three-year partnership that honors the legacy of Canadian icon Terry Fox and his inspiring Marathon of Hope.
Notably, much of this work is supported through the Edward Jones Foundation, which channels resources into nonprofit partners that mirror the firm’s values. Whether it’s improving access to healthcare, advancing economic inclusion or supporting the arts, the foundation amplifies the voices and needs of communities across North America.
“Philanthropy isn’t something we do; it’s who we are,” explains Nina Dawes, executive director of the Edward Jones Foundation. “We are stewards of the trust placed in us, and that means being there when our communities need us most.”
That legacy of trust goes back to founders Edward D. Jones Sr. and his son Ted, who set a tone of generosity and community care that still guides the firm today. From their humble beginnings as “TNT brokers” traveling the Midwest, the company’s ethos remains grounded in personal connection and service.
Today, Edward Jones’ community engagement is not only measurable, it’s deeply meaningful. In an era when impact matters, this firm is showing what’s possible when a business chooses purpose over platitudes. Through strategic giving, employee-led action and enduring partnerships, Edward Jones is helping build stronger, healthier, more inclusive communities — one step, one client and one cause at a time.
Spotlight: Empowering Arizona Youth through JA Finance Park®
Edward Jones is investing in the future of Arizona students through its support of Junior Achievement of Arizona and the innovative JA Finance Park® in Tempe. This hands-on financial literacy experience allows middle and high school students to step into adult roles, managing real-world budgets, careers and responsibilities. Edward Jones volunteers serve as mentors during these immersive sessions, helping students understand the fundamentals of saving, investing and responsible spending. The firm’s long-standing partnership with Junior Achievement reflects its belief in early education as a critical pathway to long-term financial strength and equity across Arizona’s diverse communities.
Tyler Butler, a trailblazer in ESG and corporate citizenship, has led Fortune 500 sustainability programs, contributed to two IPOs and founded Collaboration for Good. With degrees from ASU, Boston College and Cornell, she writes for top publications and serves as head of Public Affairs for Phoenix Rising FC.
Photo courtesy of Edward Jones
