Our Community
At Harkins, we believe in building more than just structures – we strive to build stronger communities as a whole. Our commitment to community service is woven into our company’s ethos, with employees participating in diverse fundraising initiatives. We invest time, resources, and passion into lifting those in need. Together, we can create lasting positive impact beyond construction.
We Rise By Lifting Others
At Harkins, community service isn’t a box we check—it’s part of who we are. Our second owner, Blase Cooke, instilled in us a culture of giving back that still defines us today. While we proudly support established charitable organizations, what really drives our team is getting involved at the grassroots level, rolling up our sleeves and making a tangible impact in the neighborhoods where we build. Around every project, you’ll find a community service effort supported by teammates from all our offices and job sites. Right now, we’re especially focused on helping children in need, including opening doors to great careers in construction. Across our footprint from Philadelphia to the Carolinas, Harkins employee-owners are stepping up as mentors, role models, and champions for the next generation.
Our Impact
Habitat for Humanity
To commemorate our 50th Anniversary, Harkins partnered with Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake to completely renovate an abandoned property in Baltimore’s Woodbourne-McCabe neighborhood. The project offered a fresh start to a single father and his two young sons. Harkins employees regularly participate in other various Habitat for Humanity events as well, including Women Build and Home is the Key.
Rebuilding Together Howard County
Each year, Harkins participates in Rebuilding Together Howard County, providing free home repairs to families local to our headquarters.
Shootout for Soldiers
Joining the community and trading in work boots for cleats, Harkins proudly backs Shootout for Soldiers—a 24-hour, lacrosse game, one of our ways of honoring those who serve and raising funds for the Wounded Warrior Project.
Dragon Boat
Harkins is a proud supporter of Catholic Charities, Maryland’s largest private human services provider, which helps more than 160,000 people each year. Our commitment includes being a platinum sponsor of the biennial Dragon Boat Races, a major fundraiser that sees significant participation from our employees, alongside our support for programs like Villa Maria School and Gallagher Services.
Polar Bear Plunge
When the temperatures drop, our commitment continues. Each year, you’ll find our team members braving the icy waters for the Polar Bear Plunge. It’s a way for us to come together, show our community spirit, and raise crucial funds for the incredible athletes of the Special Olympics.
Light the Night
Every year, Harkins actively supports the Baltimore Light the Night, a key Leukemia & Lymphoma Society event, as a major fundraiser and participant. We walk proudly in honor of our founder, Thomas P. Harkins.
Heather Shock, Marketing Specialist
“Giving back has always been a core value at Harkins, and it is one of the reasons I chose to begin my career here. Serving as an executive board member of the Harkins Foundation has been a rewarding experience. Each year, we have expanded our outreach efforts and charitable events, and being part of the positive impact we are making is truly amazing!”
Toni Vander Putten, Trade Partner Relations Liaison
“One of the most meaningful aspects of being at Harkins is the opportunity to serve as a Harkins Foundation board member. Witnessing the passion of my fellow employee-owners and having the ability to actively support charitable organizations through our time and financial contributions is priceless. It’s truly rewarding to see the positive impact we have on the community through this work.”
The Harkins
Foundation
Our Vision For a Better Tomorrow
The Harkins Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, reflects our deep-rooted commitment to giving back. It builds upon the philanthropic spirit established by our founder, Tom Harkins, in 1965, and expanded by our second owner Blase Cooke, whose legacy of generosity and vision to turn Harkins into a 100% employee-owned organization continues to inspire us. The Foundation channels the collective passion of our employee-owners, business partners, and alumni, allowing us to raise funds and direct resources where they are needed most. Each year, we proudly donate a portion of our profits and raised funds to charitable causes and engage in hands-on efforts that strengthen the communities we serve.
Empowered By Ownership
At Harkins, giving back isn’t a top-down initiative; it’s driven by our employee-owners. Their dedication fuels our community outreach, making a real difference where we live, work, and play. Our Harkins alumni network also continues to play a vital role, supporting the Foundation through service and funding. With an alumni representative on the Foundation board, they help ensure that the spirit of giving back remains strong, connecting past and present generations of Harkins.
Driven To Give Back
We invest not just financially, but personally, contributing both profits and volunteer hours to support the neighborhoods surrounding our projects. It’s more than charity; it’s a commitment to lasting impact.
Focused On Community
We believe building strong communities means more than just constructing buildings. Through close collaboration with our developer clients, grassroots organizations, and local non-profits, we create opportunities for growth, connection, and meaningful progress in every neighborhood we have the opportunity to engage with.
“Let us renew our commitment to our deepest personal values and go forward to build a better world, national, neighborhood, and home”
The Foundation in Action
Major Donations
Donated more than $300,000 in 2024 to a variety of organization, strengthening communities.
Successful Events
Hosted six impactful events to raise funds and support local causes.
Community Support
Benefited 70+ charities, improving lives where we live and work.
Employee Commitment
Employee-owners, alumni, and board members are dedicated to giving back.
Support Our Vision for a Better Tomorrow
For questions about The Harkins Foundation and sponsorships, please email fundraising@theharkinsfoundation.com.
