In addition to the work that we do to promote diversity in the workplace and within our global network of suppliers, Darden carries that commitment to the communities we serve.

Giving generously is ingrained in our culture. These values were inspired by our founder, Bill Darden, who believed we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. That is why we are committed to being an enduring and positive influence on the communities where we live and work.

In conjunction with our Recipe for Success initiative, Darden’s Diversity Outreach program works with multicultural organizations that operate educational programs benefiting underserved youth.

National Partners:

• 
  
  The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) is the country’s largest cross-disability membership organization. Darden has been an active participant in the AAPD’s Disability Mentoring Day program, which promotes career development for students and jobseekers with disabilities through hands-on career exploration, on-site job shadowing, and ongoing mentoring leading to internship and employment opportunities.
• 
  
  The Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF) is the largest non-profit organization in the nation providing scholarships to Asian & Pacific Islander Americans (APIAs) with financial need. Through a grant from the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation, we are proud to champion APIASF’s mission, which is to make a difference in the lives of APIA students by offering them resources that increase their access to higher education. In doing so, APIASF hopes this support will serve as the foundation for students’ future success and contributions to a stronger America.
• 
  
  The Hispanic College Fund (HCF) aims to develop the next generation of Hispanic professionals by providing eligible high school and college students with the vision, resources and mentorships needed to become community leaders and achieve successful careers. The Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation awarded a grant to the HCF in support of its Hispanic Youth Institute and HCF Scholarships program. The Hispanic Youth Institute is a year-round program designed to empower high school students to earn a college degree, pursue a professional career and give back to their communities. It launches each summer with the annual Hispanic Youth Symposium, a four-day, three-night program that brings approximately 200 Hispanic high school students to a college campus for workshops on accessing and affording college. Throughout the ensuing school year, the Hispanic Youth Institute helps students build on the information learned at the Symposium through a series of college and career workshops. By participating in the Hispanic Youth Institute, students will meet peers with an interest in attending college, and will connect with near-peer mentors, Hispanic professionals and community leaders.
• 
  
  Darden has a long history of working with the UNCF. The UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of diverse students who, because of the UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates. We champion the UNCF’s mission through grants from the Darden Restaurants, Inc. Foundation in support of the UNCF Scholarship programs. And we also demonstrate our partnership with the UNCF by sponsoring important programs such as the National Alumni Leadership Conference, which is a four-day event that brings together UNCF alumni, students and college presidents to participate in motivational and educational workshops.