Band of Heroes: Starbucks makes $13M commitment to support partners and communities around the world

It's a new week of #BandofHeroes, where we love to celebrate positive news from our partners in response to the on-going Coronavirus Pandemic. Up next, a brand that some of us can't live without, Starbucks. The brand has been committed to supporting their partners, costumers and communities. Read about the latest actions being taken by the company to help.

Committing $10M USD in COVID-19 relief for Partners Arount The World 

The coffee company has donated $10 million to set up the first-of-its-kind Starbucks Global Partner Emergency Relief Program as part of their on-going efforts to bring solutions to the Coronavirus pandemic. The program consists in on-time direct relief grants that will be available to partners, both company-operated and international licensed market store partners and employees, facing extreme hardship as a result of COVID-19.

“As we navigate this global crisis, we never lose sight of the wellbeing of our partners, who are the heartbeat of this company,” said Lucy Helm, chief partner officer, Starbucks Coffee Company. “During this very difficult time, we believe it is our responsibility to create additional support for partners facing unexpected financial hardship wherever they are. We are proud to be a catalyst for a first-of-its-kind global funding initiative to further demonstrate to our Starbucks partners that we are in this together.”

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The Starbucks Foundation Donates More Than $3M to Global COVID-19 Relief Efforts

A big part of Starbuck's core mission and values is to "Inspire and nurture the human spirit - one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time". And so, the brand is dedicated in supporting communities around the world by donating more than $3 million through the Starbucks Foundation. It will donate $1 million to The World Health Organization (WHO), $1 million to Give2asia to support a project meant to help front-line medical workers and more than $1 Million in local grants to support North American (Canada and U.S.) communities with the purpose of helping unsheltered families.

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Offering Free Coffee to Front-Line Responders 

Starbucks announced it will offer free coffee to any costumer who identifies as a front-line responder through May 3. In addition, the Starbucks Foundation will donate $500,000 to support front-line responders, as well as direct relief to help with the delivery of personal protective equipment and essential medical items and Operation Gratitude to deliver care packages.

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Extending All Benefits For Their Partners 

One of Starbucks' top priorities in these difficult times is making sure that the safety and well-being of their employees are being taken care of. Whether Starbucks employees are working a shift or not, they will still access all temporary COVID-19 benefits until May 3rd, including Catastrophe Pay, Service Pay, childcare support, food/beverage benefits and discounts, as well as mental health support. 

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These are only a few new initiatives that Starbucks is doing to respond to communities they serve during this time. To date, has also given over $76,000 to local youth sports teams in North America through FlipGive.